WINDSOR — His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik held talks with King Charles III at Windsor Castle on Tuesday during a state visit aimed at strengthening Oman’s longstanding partnership with Britain.

The meeting followed a ceremonial welcome featuring a royal salute, a horse-drawn carriage procession through Windsor and an inspection of the guard of honour.

The visit’s announced agenda includes expanding cooperation across various sectors and consultations on regional and international developments. A detailed account of the talks was not immediately available.

Economic ties provide a substantial backdrop to the visit. British direct investment in Oman reached RO 16.8 billion by the end of June 2026, representing more than 52% of the Sultanate’s accumulated foreign direct investment, according to figures cited by Oman News Agency.

Bilateral trade totalled RO 387.9 million in the first seven months of 2026, exceeding the RO 384.7 million recorded for the whole of 2025.

Ahead of the visit, officials identified clean energy, green hydrogen, technology, financial services, manufacturing and tourism as areas for further cooperation.

British Ambassador to Oman Liane Saunders said priorities included deepening economic and investment ties, modernising the defence relationship and expanding partnerships in education, skills, culture and heritage.

Both countries have also highlighted diplomacy, regional stability, maritime security and freedom of navigation as shared interests.

Earlier on Tuesday, Prince William accompanied His Majesty from his London residence to Windsor. His Majesty then travelled with King Charles in the Irish State Coach before the two inspected the guard of honour in the rain.

His Majesty also toured an exhibition of Royal Collection items at Windsor Castle with King Charles and Queen Camilla. Historical objects on display reflected the heritage of relations between Oman and Britain, ONA reported.

The visit is the first state visit to Britain by an Omani head of state since 1982. His Majesty is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including His Highness Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, and His Highness Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs.