LONDON/MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman and the United Kingdom have pledged to build an ambitious, future-forward partnership following a landmark state visit by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the UK as a guest of King Charles III.
The three-day visit, held from October 20 to 22, culminated in a joint statement outlining a bold agenda to deepen bilateral ties, align Oman Vision 2040 with the UK’s economic growth goals, and tackle shared global challenges.
Strengthening Ties
During a high-level bilateral meeting at 10 Downing Street on October 21, His Majesty the Sultan and UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham reaffirmed the historical depth of Omani-British relations. The leaders agreed on a wide-ranging road map prioritising defence modernisation, green industries, advanced technology, and regional stability.
To drive economic collaboration, both nations unveiled the "Sovereign Partnership for Investment Cooperation and Encouragement." The initiative connects the Oman Investment Authority (OIA) with the UK Office for Investment, aligning Oman’s Future Industries Ecosystem with the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy. Major priority areas include green growth, critical minerals, space, and industrial clusters.
In a major financial boost, UK Export Finance (UKEF) announced an additional £1.6 billion in financing capacity for Oman, bringing the total available funding to £7 billion to back British exports and high-priority development projects across the Sultanate of Oman.
Tech Frontiers
Defence collaboration remains a cornerstone of the alliance. Both governments reaffirmed their commitment to modernising military capabilities, deepening defence industry collaboration, and bolstering cybersecurity. Preparations are officially underway for Swift Sword 4 (Al Saif Al Saree 4), the latest instalment in the flagship joint military exercise series.
On the technological front, Oman’s National Space Programme signed a partnership agreement with the UK Space Agency to share best practices in space launch vehicles and commercial technology. Both countries also introduced the "UK-Oman Innovation Initiative" to help emerging tech startups access both markets.
In commitment to climate goals, both nations reiterated their target of achieving Net-Zero emissions by 2050. The Oman Net-Zero Centre partnered with Net-Zero Industry Wales and UKEF, while announcing plans for an "Oman Green Growth Tour" delegation to visit the UK in 2027.
Peace and Maritime Security
Addressing international issues, Oman and the UK renewed their shared commitment to peace and peaceful dispute resolution in the Middle East. Both nations firmly reiterated their support for the two-state solution as the only viable path to lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
The joint statement also underscored the necessity of upholding international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The UK reaffirmed Oman’s sovereignty over its waters in the Strait of Hormuz, emphasising the critical importance of maintaining maritime security and freedom of navigation through the international shipping lane.
Investing in Education
The visit also marked significant steps in cultural and educational diplomacy. A key highlight was the official resumption of the Chevening Scholarship programme for Omani scholars for the first time since 2021.
Furthermore, the British Council launched a pilot programme to integrate artificial intelligence into Omani schools, while Cardiff University and the Oman Net-Zero Centre announced new joint research scholarships. Highlighting the role of youth leadership, HH Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, and William, Prince of Wales, emphasised their joint patronage of the Anglo-Omani Society to foster intergenerational ties between both nations.
KEY POINTS
1. UKEF raised Oman’s financing capacity to £7 billion for priority development projects.
2. Launched joint investment frameworks targeting Net-Zero carbon emissions by 2050.
3. Advanced military ties with "Swift Sword 4" exercises and space agency cooperation.
4. Reaffirmed the two-state solution for Palestine and Omani sovereignty in the Strait of Hormuz.
5. Resumed Chevening Scholarship and launched AI initiatives for Omani schools.
6. Cardiff University and the Oman Net-Zero Centre launch new joint research scholarships.
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