PARIS — Oman and France signed 12 agreements and memoranda of understanding on Monday, including a key deal covering the proposed Muscat Metro project, as the two countries moved to deepen cooperation in transport, investment, energy and technology during His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s official visit to France.
The agreements were signed at the Élysée Palace in Paris in the presence of His Majesty Sultan Haitham and French President Emmanuel Macron following bilateral talks between the two leaders.
Among the most notable agreements was a memorandum of understanding between Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology and France’s Ministry of Transport covering logistics, ports and the Muscat Metro project. The agreement is expected to strengthen cooperation in urban transport planning and infrastructure development as Oman advances efforts to modernise its transport network.
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The two countries also signed a memorandum of understanding on investment promotion aimed at increasing trade and investment flows between the two economies, alongside an agreement on civil aviation cooperation and a declaration of intent on collaboration in the space sector.
In healthcare, Oman and France signed an agreement to support the training of Omani specialist doctors, while additional declarations of intent were signed in the fields of French language education and cultural cooperation, including the establishment of a “Maison de France” initiative in Oman.
Several agreements focused on infrastructure and energy. France’s EDF Solutions signed a contract with Nama Power and Water Procurement Company for the first phase of the 500-megawatt Al Kamil Wal Wafi solar power project. Another agreement was signed with EDF for the development of the Wadi Dayqah pumped-storage hydropower project, supporting Oman’s renewable energy ambitions and energy transition goals.
In the water sector, Nama Water Services, the National Energy Centre and French utility giant Suez signed an agreement for the management of water networks across the Greater Muscat area.
The logistics sector featured prominently in the agreements, with Asyad Group and French shipping and logistics company CMA CGM signing a framework agreement for a joint venture to develop and operate a multi-purpose terminal, further strengthening Oman’s position as a regional trade and logistics hub.
The two sides also signed a strategic partnership agreement involving Oman’s Station 11 and France’s Station F startup ecosystem to help Omani startups access French and European markets.
