MUSCAT : His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik returned to Oman on November 4 after state visits to China and Brunei Darussalam that produced agreements on investment, digital payments and bilateral cooperation.

In Beijing, His Majesty held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on expanding trade and investment ties. Oman Investment Authority signed a package of agreements with Chinese institutions and companies spanning energy, mining, manufacturing, logistics and technology. The package included a proposed $1 billion battery storage programme and a $418.7 million mining services contract.

The Central Bank of Oman and the People’s Bank of China also signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in digital payments and central bank digital currencies.

In Brunei, His Majesty held talks with His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah during the first state visit by a Sultan of Oman to the country. The two leaders agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a strategic partnership, with a focus on building on existing cooperation and identifying new areas for investment and exchanges.

Oman and Brunei signed a reciprocal visa exemption agreement for holders of diplomatic, special, service and official passports, along with memoranda of understanding covering labour and human resource development, health, the economy and strategic planning, and agriculture and fisheries.

His Majesty also discussed ways to expand investment ties with Crown HRH Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah and invited Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah to visit Oman.

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