BEIJING: The official visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the People’s Republic has attracted significant attention in Chinese political, cultural, and academic circles due to its historical significance in the development of Omani-Chinese relations.
A number of Chinese experts and academics confirmed that His Majesty’s visit reflects the strength of the historical ties between the Sultanate of Oman and the People’s Republic of China. It also embodies the commitment of both countries’ leadership to foster relations keeping pace with global economic and technological transformations and strengthening the shared interests of the two friendly peoples.
Dr Ibrahim Li, a Chinese expert on international affairs, said that the visit constitutes a significant historical milestone in the development of Omani-Chinese relations. As the first visit by an Omani Sultan to China since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries back in 1978, the visit embodies the depth of historical ties and the strength of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two friendly nations.
He added that the visit comes at a time of continuous development in bilateral relations, particularly since these relations transformed into strategic partnership in 2018, emphasising that it represents an important opportunity to open a new chapter of cooperation in the political, economic, cultural, and humanitarian fields.
He explained that rapprochement between Omani and Chinese diplomacy, based on the principles of dialogue, peace, respect for state sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, and mutual benefit, forms a common ground for strengthening coordination and cooperation between the two countries on regional and international issues.
Dr Fu Zhiming, Vice Dean of the School of Foreign Languages and Professor of the Sultan Qaboos Chair of Arabic Studies at Peking University, said that His Majesty’s visit reflects the depth of the long-standing Omani-Chinese friendship and the rich cultural and civilisational heritage that binds the two countries, noting that it opens new horizons for enhancing economic, trade, investment, and scientific cooperation.
He affirmed that the traditional and renewable energy sectors, artificial intelligence, robotics, computing, and space technologies represent promising areas for cooperation between the two countries. He also emphasised the importance of enhancing scientific and academic exchange, providing more opportunities for Omani students to study at Chinese universities, and benefiting from China's experience in science, technology, and innovation.
He stressed the importance of encouraging Omani institutions and companies to explore investment opportunities in the Chinese market, while simultaneously attracting more Chinese investments and companies to the Sultanate of Oman. This would contribute to knowledge transfer, the localisation of modern technologies, and the building of sustainable economic partnerships that serve the development priorities of both countries. — ONA
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