BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN — Oman and Brunei elevated their relations to a strategic partnership during His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s state visit, signing agreements to expand cooperation as the two countries pledged to strengthen economic ties.

His Majesty and His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah witnessed the signing of a joint statement establishing the strategic partnership at Istana Nurul Iman palace, alongside an agreement on reciprocal visa exemptions for holders of diplomatic, special, service and official passports.

The countries also signed memoranda of understanding covering labour and human resource development, health, the economy and strategic planning, and agriculture and fisheries.

During official talks, His Majesty called for greater trade and investment, saying commercial exchanges had yet to reflect the strength of the bilateral relationship.

He identified oil and gas, renewable energy, food security, maritime transport and logistics as promising areas for cooperation, alongside innovation, technology, education and entrepreneurship.

Oman views Brunei as a strategic gateway to wider Asian markets, His Majesty said, while Brunei could benefit from Oman’s position connecting the Gulf, the Middle East and Africa.

“Although the current volume of trade does not yet reflect the strength of our partnership, we are confident that we can raise it to higher levels,” he said.

His Majesty highlighted Oman Brunei Investment Company as an example of economic cooperation and expressed hope that it would pursue new investment opportunities across diverse sectors. He encouraged public and private sector institutions to explore partnerships supporting economic diversification in both countries.

The talks also addressed international cooperation, with His Majesty highlighting shared support for dialogue, peace and stability, and opportunities to work together on humanitarian challenges, climate change and international law.

The two leaders exchanged decorations and commemorative gifts. His Majesty received the Royal Family Order of the Crown of Brunei and conferred the Order of Al Said on Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.

“We are committed to continuing to strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation, and we reaffirm our determination to begin a new and bright chapter in the history of relations between the Sultanate of Oman and Brunei Darussalam,” His Majesty said.