MUSCAT : Oman and the United Kingdom agreed to expand cooperation in defence, investment, advanced technology and green industries, setting out a programme intended to support Oman Vision 2040 and Britain’s economic growth agenda.

In a joint statement issued following His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s state visit to Britain, the countries also reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace, a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.

The statement followed the October 20–22 state visit hosted by King Charles III and talks between His Majesty and British Prime Minister Andy Burnham at 10 Downing Street on October 21.

The leaders agreed on priorities for the coming years, including modernising security and defence cooperation, strengthening national resilience, expanding trade and investment in green and advanced industries, and deepening links between their people and institutions.

Both countries pledged to monitor implementation and ensure cooperation delivered shared benefits.

Britain increased the financing capacity available through UK Export Finance for exports to Oman by £1.6 billion, bringing the total to £7 billion.

The increase is intended to widen financing options for priority projects, strengthen commercial ties and connect Omani investment opportunities with British goods, services and expertise.

The countries said their sovereign partnership for cooperation and investment promotion would anchor long-term economic cooperation, strengthening links between the Oman Investment Authority and Britain’s Office for Investment.

Areas targeted include green growth, advanced technologies, critical minerals, space, innovation, financing for promising businesses seeking to expand, industrial clusters and regional connectivity.

Priority will go to sectors covered by Britain’s modern industrial strategy and Oman’s future industries ecosystem. Omani industrial zones and innovation centres will serve as platforms for British expertise, supporting diversification and Oman’s role as a gateway to regional growth.

The Oman–UK strategic consultation team will remain the main platform for dialogue on investment and growth, supporting knowledge exchange, structured innovation and shared economic objectives.

The statement said the UK–Gulf Cooperation Council free trade agreement would provide further opportunities to deepen trade and investment once signed and brought into force.

Oman’s Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, Anwar bin Hilal Al Jabri, held talks with Britain’s trade minister on the steps needed to complete the anticipated signing.

Defence remained a central pillar of the partnership. Both countries reaffirmed their intention to deepen defence industrial cooperation, strengthen links between their armed forces and place greater emphasis on expertise, testing, innovation and future capabilities.

They welcomed preparations for Exercise Saif Sareea 4, the latest in a series described as a prominent expression of the defence relationship.

The countries also agreed to explore the next phase of long-term military exercise cooperation, including capability development, practical testing and experimentation, and exchanges of maritime security information.

His Highness Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, and Britain’s defence secretary reaffirmed their commitment to developing and modernising the partnership.

Broader security cooperation will include cybersecurity and national resilience, with joint work intended to address shared international security challenges.

Green growth and decarbonisation were identified as common national priorities.

The Oman Net Zero Centre and UK Export Finance announced stronger cooperation to support the sustainable, safe and responsible development of green and decarbonisation projects.

Britain welcomed a proposed visit by an “Oman Green Growth Tour” delegation in 2027 to advance those partnerships.

The Oman Net Zero Centre’s industrial cluster initiative and Net Zero Industry Wales will launch a knowledge-sharing partnership linking industrial clusters, renewable energy businesses, academic institutions and public bodies.

Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and to international leadership on climate, nature and environmental protection. They also recognised the importance of clean energy and resilient supply chains in supporting sustainable growth.

In advanced technology, the countries agreed to deepen cooperation in artificial intelligence, data centres, critical minerals and space through specialist discussions, delegation visits and exchanges of technical expertise.

They welcomed an agreement between Oman’s National Space Programme and the UK Space Agency to exchange best practices, explore future cooperation in spacecraft launches and encourage commercial partnerships.

The statement also welcomed the British–Omani Innovation Initiative, regional innovation links, and growth hub and growth fund mechanisms intended to help companies expand and access each other’s markets.

On regional affairs, Oman and Britain renewed their commitment to peace, stability and dialogue in the Middle East and beyond.

They agreed to strengthen cooperation in conflict prevention, peaceful dispute resolution, humanitarian response and multilateral action.

Both reaffirmed a two-state solution as the only viable basis for a just and lasting peace between Israel and Palestine.

The countries stressed adherence to international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. They reaffirmed Oman’s sovereignty over its territorial waters in the Strait of Hormuz and the importance of maritime security, freedom of navigation and safe passage for international vessels in accordance with international law.

Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi and British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband continued detailed discussions on bilateral relations and regional and international issues.

The countries will also develop cooperation between the Omani Diplomatic Academy and His Majesty’s Diplomatic Academy in Britain.

Education and skills initiatives include the resumption of Chevening scholarships for the first time since 2021, a British Council pilot using AI to support teaching in Omani schools, and new scholarships offered jointly by the Oman Net Zero Centre and Cardiff University.

The countries also welcomed stronger cooperation in skills development and vocational qualifications.

Oman’s Education Minister Dr. Madiha bint Ahmed Al Shaibani met the British Council’s chief executive to discuss innovative ways to integrate emerging technologies into education.

His Highness Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said and Prince William, the Prince of Wales, welcomed their roles in supporting the next generation of bilateral relations through their joint patronage of the British Omani Society.

Further initiatives will strengthen cooperation in heritage, air connectivity, tourism, sport and creative industries, while the society will help deepen connections between younger generations and local communities.

The statement described the partnership as rooted in a historic friendship strengthened through challenges and renewed through innovation.

Its foundations include the 2019 Comprehensive Agreement on Enduring Friendship and Bilateral Cooperation and the 2019 Joint Defence Agreement, supported by ministerial dialogue, joint defence discussions, the Strategic Advisory Group and other bilateral mechanisms.

Both countries said their shared objective was to build a more secure, prosperous and resilient world.

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