MUSCAT — His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s state visits to China and Brunei Darussalam strengthened Oman’s economic and diplomatic ties with the two countries, advancing cooperation with Beijing and elevating relations with Brunei to a strategic partnership, according to a government summary of the visits.

The China visit, the first by an Omani Sultan in 48 years, focused on deepening the countries’ strategic partnership through closer investment, financial and technological cooperation.

The two sides signed cooperation documents covering the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System, production and supply chains, green development, local currency and digital payments, among other areas.

In an address at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, His Majesty called for Oman and China to build on their historic maritime trading links by expanding cooperation between institutions, businesses, research centres and innovation bodies.

He highlighted the importance of cooperation between investment and financial institutions and expressed Oman’s openness to concluding a bilateral preferential trade and investment agreement.

The two countries also identified closer alignment between China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Oman Vision 2040 as a priority, alongside efforts to conclude a free trade agreement between China and the Gulf Cooperation Council as soon as possible.

The Chinese side expressed appreciation for Oman’s role in resolving differences, building mutual trust and promoting peace in the region, the summary said.

In Brunei, the first state visit by an Omani Sultan resulted in an agreement to elevate bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, providing a framework to expand existing cooperation and identify new areas of shared interest.

The countries signed one agreement and four memoranda of understanding, including cooperation in agriculture and fisheries, the economy and strategic planning.

During engagements at Istana Nurul Iman, His Majesty reaffirmed Oman’s commitment to developing bilateral relations and welcomed the expansion of economic and investment cooperation.

He also highlighted opportunities for the two countries to work together in addressing humanitarian challenges, while recalling his previous visit to Brunei in 2014.

Brunei expressed appreciation for Oman’s commitment to promoting peace, stability and security through dialogue and diplomacy.

The next steps outlined in the summary include identifying further opportunities for cooperation with Brunei and maintaining exchanges on issues of mutual interest, while advancing economic coordination and trade initiatives with China.