Muscat – Since His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik assumed the throne on January 11, 2020, Oman has witnessed a marked elevation in its diplomatic efforts. His Majesty the Sultan’s leadership has focused on strengthening the sultanate’s international partnerships, enhancing global cooperation, and fostering economic and cultural ties. His strategic visits over the past year have further cemented Oman’s position on the global stage.
In December 2023, His Majesty made a landmark visit to Singapore, engaging in discussions with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. The talks explored collaboration in areas such as technology, smart city development, startups, education, healthcare, and tourism, aligning closely with Oman Vision 2040. During the visit, Singapore’s National Orchid Garden honoured His Majesty by naming an orchid after him, symbolising the deepening ties between the nations. Two memoranda of understanding were signed, reinforcing cooperation in cultural and economic domains.
His Majesty continued his diplomatic efforts with a state visit to India on December 16, 2023, where he held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Highlighting the historical maritime links between the two countries, both leaders proposed recreating an ancient maritime voyage in 2025-26 to revive traditional trade routes and promote cultural exchange.
Additionally, the Oman-India Joint Investment Fund announced its third tranche, valued at US$300mn, to support emerging sectors in India’s economy, further strengthening bilateral ties.
In April 2024, His Majesty visited the United Arab Emirates, where agreements worth RO13.5bn were signed. These covered key sectors such as renewable energy, green metals, railway infrastructure, and digital technology, reflecting Oman’s proactive approach to building meaningful economic partnerships.
A two-day state visit to Kuwait followed on May 13, 2024, at the invitation of Sheikh Meshal al Ahmad al Jaber al Sabah, Emir of Kuwait. Discussions centred on enhancing bilateral cooperation to strengthen the fraternal ties between the two nations and explore avenues for mutual prosperity.
Later in May, His Majesty travelled to Jordan, where he held talks with King Abdullah II Ibn al Hussein. The discussions focused on advancing cooperation under Jordan’s Economic Modernisation Vision and Oman Vision 2040.
-Agreements and memoranda signed during the visit aimed to translate shared aspirations into practical benefits. Both leaders also stressed the importance of unified Arab action, particularly on the Palestinian issue, emphasising the need for a just solution to end the occupation and secure the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.
In November 2024, His Majesty paid a state visit to Turkey, where he was warmly welcomed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The visit resulted in the signing of ten agreements spanning sectors such as investment, health, agriculture, fisheries, labour, and culture.
Among these, a US$500mn joint investment fund between Oman’s Investment Authority and Turkey’s Turkish Armed Forces Retirement Fund (OYAK) was established, focusing on healthcare, renewable energy, and logistics. Cooperation in public health and regular political consultations were also formalised.
Concluding the year, His Majesty embarked on a three-day visit to Belgium in December 2024. During the visit, he met King Philippe Leopold Louis Marie, King of the Belgians and held discussions at the Port House in Antwerp, focusing on energy and port cooperation between the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and the Port of Duqm. Oman and Belgium also signed an MoU on green hydrogen collaboration, strengthening ties in sustainable energy and logistics.
Through these visits, His Majesty the Sultan has reaffirmed Oman’s commitment to international cooperation, adherence to international law, and inclusive dialogue to address global challenges. His efforts underscore the sultanate’s resolve to foster enduring partnerships and advance mutual prosperity on the global stage.
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