MUSCAT : The following is the text of an article by Foreign Minister His Excellency Sayyid Badr Albusaidi in a special magazine published to mark the State Visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the United Kingdom from October 19 to 22, 2026.

“Some relationships between nations acquire a significance that reaches far beyond the agreements and institutions through which they are expressed. They become part of the shared experience of their peoples, shaped by generations of sharing.

“The relationship between the Sultanate of Oman and the United Kingdom is one such friendship.
“The State Visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the United Kingdom, at the gracious invitation of His Majesty King Charles III, marks an important moment. It offers an opportunity to celebrate our shared history, recognise the achievements of multiple generations and look towards the future with confidence.

“The foundations of our friendship were established more than three centuries ago, when Oman was already an active maritime nation, connected through trade and diplomacy with countries across the world. The Agreement with the British East India Company in 1647, and successive treaties with the British government in 1798 and 1800 have served us well.

“The partnership between Oman and the United Kingdom has developed much further alongside Oman’s modern renaissance. Cooperation has flourished across defence, education, infrastructure, commerce and public institutions. British expertise and experience contributed to Oman’s development, while generations of Omanis established lasting connections with British institutions and communities.

“These human relationships remain among the most valuable dimensions of our friendship. They have created bonds of familiarity and understanding that continue to bring our societies closer together.
“Today, under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, our partnership continues to advance with renewed purpose and ambition.

“Oman’s Vision 2040 provides a forward-looking framework for economic diversification, innovation, sustainability and the development of human potential. The United Kingdom, with its longstanding strengths in education, research, technology, finance and advanced industries, is a valued partner in realising these aspirations.

“Our economic relationship already rests on substantial foundations. The United Kingdom is by some margin Oman’s largest source of foreign direct investment, reflecting the confidence that British businesses have placed in the Sultanate over many decades. We see opportunities to expand this partnership into renewable energy, green hydrogen, advanced technologies, manufacturing and other sectors that will shape the economies of tomorrow.

“The Comprehensive Agreement on Enduring Friendship, signed in 2019, embodies our shared commitment to this future. It provides a foundation for cooperation that is both broad in its ambitions and practical in its benefits.

“Equally significant is the close understanding between our countries on regional and international affairs.
“Oman’s foreign policy has long been guided by a commitment to dialogue, peaceful engagement, mutual respect and constructive cooperation. We value the United Kingdom as a trusted partner with whom we maintain regular and meaningful consultations on matters of shared interest.

“The State Visit is a fitting expression of these enduring bonds. It also reflects the close and longstanding friendship between our Royal Families, whose personal ties have contributed so much to the warmth and continuity of relations between our countries.

“As we celebrate this occasion, our thoughts naturally turn towards the generations who will carry this friendship forward.

“Young Omanis and Britons are already building connections through education, research, business, culture and innovation. Their ideas, ambitions and achievements will give fresh expression to our partnership.

“Our shared responsibility is to nurture these opportunities and ensure that the friendship we have inherited continues to grow in relevance, strength and purpose.

“The relationship between the Sultanate of Oman and the United Kingdom is a testament to the enduring value of trust, friendship and mutual respect. Its history is a source of pride, its achievements a source of confidence, and its future a source of considerable promise.

“As His Majesty’s State Visit opens another chapter in this remarkable relationship, we look forward to strengthening the bonds between our countries and advancing a partnership that will continue to serve our peoples for generations to come.”

For all the latest news from Oman and GCC, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn, like us on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube page, which is updated daily.