WINDSOR : His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik reaffirmed Oman’s commitment to dialogue, diplomacy and peace in a speech at Windsor Castle, saying the Sultanate’s willingness to listen had revealed a strength that could not be achieved through military power.

Addressing a state banquet hosted by King Charles III on Tuesday, His Majesty celebrated more than two centuries of friendship between Oman and Britain, highlighting defence cooperation, education, trade and the personal connections linking their people.

As conflicts persist across the region, Oman follows an independent course grounded in dialogue, understanding and peace, His Majesty said.

“Wise leadership chooses to listen, and the Sultanate of Oman has chosen to listen. In that listening, we have recognised a strength that cannot be attained through armies,” he said.

“We seek solutions and believe in diplomacy, dialogue and tireless work to bring nations closer together. This is our heritage.”

His Majesty described Britain as a dependable friend in that approach, saying it had stood alongside Oman in carrying that responsibility through wisdom and sound judgement.

A friendship rooted in history

His Majesty thanked King Charles for his words of welcome and the hospitality extended to him and the accompanying delegation, describing Windsor Castle as an embodiment of Britain’s history and established traditions.

Despite the geographical distance between their countries, Oman and Britain had forged connections centuries ago through voyages by Omani traders and British ships, he said.

Those encounters at sea helped build a friendship that had endured successive generations.

“Today, the ship of our friendship sails on, undeterred by successive storms,” His Majesty said.

He recalled the treaty concluded between Oman and Great Britain in 1800, which pledged that friendship between the two countries would remain forever, until the sun and moon completed their course.

More than 220 years later, he said, that friendship remained firm and unshaken.

While acknowledging the countries’ different circumstances and responsibilities, His Majesty said mutual respect had remained the defining feature of their relationship, reflected in their joint endeavours.

Defence ties built through generations

His Majesty described military cooperation as a particularly strong expression of that partnership.

Generations of Omani and British personnel had served alongside one another, trained together, stood guard and learned from each other, he said.

Omani officers had developed their expertise at leading British military academies, while British officers had served in Oman.

“The exchange of knowledge and experience has established a bond of readiness and trust that no treaty alone can achieve,” His Majesty said. “It is a living relationship, longstanding, trusted and enduring.”

Education and personal connections

The same spirit extended to schools and universities, His Majesty said, with young Omanis travelling to Britain each year to study at its leading institutions.

They learned from British teachers, experienced the country’s historic surroundings and formed friendships with its people, returning to contribute to Oman’s development while strengthening connections between the two societies.

His Majesty referred to his own experience in Britain as a young man, recalling his familiarity with the national habit of punctuality.

He also highlighted the British Council, the growing number of English-language schools and opportunities to establish more British educational institutions in Oman.

Those links, together with visits by British tourists exploring Oman’s history, landscapes and culture, would help sustain cultural exchange for future generations, he said.

“We are certain that future generations will build on this vital connection between our peoples,” His Majesty said.

Trade and investment

Alongside defence and education, His Majesty described trade as another strong bridge between the countries.

Britain had been among Oman’s largest trading partners for decades and remained its largest single contributor of foreign direct investment, he said.

His remarks placed those commercial connections within a broader relationship sustained by institutions, shared experience and personal friendships.

Shared responsibilities

Addressing King Charles directly, His Majesty praised his commitment to young people, environmental protection and interfaith dialogue.

Those interests reflected a deep responsibility towards society and future generations, he said, adding that Oman shared those values and used them to guide its leadership and engagement with the world.

His Majesty concluded by wishing King Charles good health, well-being and a long life, and expressing hope that the friendship between their countries would endure.

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