MUSCAT — Oman and Brunei Darussalam agreed to elevate their relations to a strategic partnership during His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s three-day state visit, the first by a Sultan of Oman to Brunei, according to a joint statement released on November 4.

His Majesty and Brunei’s His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah said the partnership would build on existing cooperation and identify new areas of mutual interest. The leaders highlighted progress in investment, education, culture and exchanges between their citizens, and called for regular bilateral consultations and closer dialogue on regional and international issues.

The leaders witnessed the signing of a reciprocal visa exemption agreement for holders of diplomatic, special, service and official passports. The two countries also signed memoranda of understanding on labour and human resource development, health, the economy and strategic planning, and agriculture and fisheries.

The visit, which ran from November 2 to 4, marked a milestone in relations between the two countries, which established diplomatic ties on March 24, 1984. The two leaders opened a photography exhibition titled “Bridges Between the Two Sultanates” in Bandar Seri Begawan to mark the occasion.

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah conferred the Royal Family Order of the Crown of Brunei on His Majesty, who in turn presented the Bruneian ruler with the Order of Al Said, Oman’s highest decoration.

The leaders also discussed regional and international developments. His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah praised Oman’s efforts to promote peace and stability through dialogue and diplomacy, and both leaders reaffirmed their support for peaceful solutions in accordance with international law, the statement said.

His Majesty Sultan thanked Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah for hosting him and the Omani delegation and invited him to visit Oman.