BEIJING — His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik said his state visit to China marked a new starting point in bilateral relations, highlighting more than 33 billion yuan in direct investments by Chinese companies in Oman in partnership with the Oman Investment Authority over recent years.

Speaking during his visit to Beijing, His Majesty said China had become Oman’s leading trading partner, while cooperation had expanded to encompass energy, industry, infrastructure, logistics and advanced technology, according to remarks carried by the Oman News Agency.

His Majesty described the development as a significant shift towards a deeper and more diversified economic partnership built on exchanging expertise, joint investment, expanding productive capacity and developing knowledge- and technology-based industries.

“We view this visit as a new starting point in the course of Omani-Chinese relations,” His Majesty said.

He reaffirmed Oman’s commitment to developing relations with China, saying economic, trade and investment cooperation had grown rapidly in recent years. Several ministers had accompanied him to explore further opportunities for collaboration, he added.

His Majesty also highlighted the historical ties between the two countries and expressed appreciation for the welcome extended by Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Chinese people.

He described China as a longstanding cultural and human bridge between East and West, as well as a centre of cultural exchange and intellectual diversity.

The remarks came during a state visit in which His Majesty and Xi held expanded official talks at the Great Hall of the People.

The discussions covered technology, innovation, artificial intelligence, energy, renewable energy, manufacturing, logistics, digital trade and food security, according to ONA. The leaders also explored closer integration between economic zones and ports.