MUSCAT : The official visit of His Excellency Joseph Aoun, President of the Lebanese Republic, to Oman on Tuesday, and his meeting with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik underscores the two countries’ shared commitment to regional security and stability.

His Excellency Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Saidi, Ambassador of Oman to Lebanon, highlighted that relations between the two nations have been solid and enduring since the opening of Oman’s first embassy in Beirut in 1972, rooted in Arab and historical ties. He noted that both countries prioritize strengthening political and economic partnerships in areas such as sustainable development and economic integration, as outlined in Oman Vision 2040.

The ambassador added that the visit aims to activate cooperation in key sectors including economic, trade, tourism, agriculture, and education, with several memoranda of understanding under review for signing during the Omani-Lebanese Joint Committee meeting in the first half of next year.

On regional issues, His Excellency emphasised Oman’s vital role in addressing changes and conflicts in the Middle East, guided by a policy of positive neutrality, dialogue, respect for the UN Charter, and peaceful dispute resolution, which has earned Oman international respect and strengthened its political and economic stability.

The visit also highlights the countries’ complementary economic assets and strategic locations, which attract investment. Oman’s steadfast support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and unity, along with its rejection of any violations of Lebanese territorial integrity, remains a cornerstone of their political relations.

The Omani Embassy in Lebanon continues to serve as a link between the two governments, promoting economic diplomacy, facilitating communication between business communities, supporting participation in exhibitions, and exploring investment opportunities.

Bilateral relations have shown significant momentum in recent months, including meetings between Omani and Lebanese ministers in commerce, industry, and education, as well as the Omani-Lebanese Economic Forum held in Muscat in October 2025. The forum brought together over 100 companies and institutions from both countries and featured discussions on investment, trade, and partnership opportunities across sectors such as industry, food, tourism, and logistics.

Trade between Oman and Lebanon in the first half of 2025 grew by 29.4 percent, reaching approximately RO 8.5 million (US$22.2 million), compared to RO 6.6 million (US$17.1 million) during the same period in 2024. Omani exports to Lebanon rose 30.7 percent to RO 2.8 million, while Lebanese imports to Oman grew 28.8 percent to RO 5.7 million.

The number of Lebanese companies registered in Oman reached over 1,035 by September 2025, with a total invested capital of RO 191.5 million, 80 percent of which comes from Lebanese investors, mainly in trade, retail, construction, manufacturing, transportation, and food services.

His Excellency Faisal bin Abdullah Al Rawas, Chairman of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, described the economic and trade relations between Oman and Lebanon as an advanced model of Arab cooperation, emphasising decades of trust, growing trade volumes, and joint investments. He added that strong historical and cultural ties have strengthened communication between business communities, expanding cooperation in trade, services, education, and tourism.

Rashid bin Amer Al Maslahi, First Vice Chairman of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, noted that Omani-Lebanese economic relations are entering a new stage of coordination and partnership, with opportunities for collaboration in services, finance, media, technology, food industries, and creative sectors.

Business communities in both countries are increasingly engaging in joint initiatives, promotional programs, and trade participation, reflecting growing confidence in Oman’s investment potential and Lebanese expertise. The Omani regulatory framework, investment incentives, and expanding economic zones provide additional opportunities for partnership in tourism, higher education, health, and information technology.

Businessman Abdullah Jamal affirmed that the Lebanese President’s visit will strengthen economic and commercial relations, open new avenues for investment, and encourage joint projects between Omani and Lebanese companies. He highlighted promising opportunities in industrial, tourism, technological, renewable energy, and free zone sectors, while also noting prospects for Omani companies to partner with Lebanese firms in innovation, entrepreneurship, and specialised services.

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