“His Majesty the Sultan not only created history but set a new milestone in the relations between Oman and Saudi Arabia…” 

It was a moment of glory for both the nations when His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik flew back to Muscat, after his successful historic visit to Saudi Arabia on Monday.  

His Majesty’s trip to Saudi Arabia, which is his first official state visit after assuming power last year, has great significance both in terms of international relations and economy, because it will enhance the decade-old friendship between both the countries. Moreover, Oman is known for its power of mediating in the international issues, and they are looking for more investment for a strong economy too.

His Majesty made his maiden overseas visit while his country is on the path of a transformation through many major steps including inclusive development to create more employment opportunities for the citizens as well as the expatriate labour force in the country. 

Going a step further from the conventional economic moves, Oman is now on the path of economic diplomacy, where economics plays a crucial role in deciding the internal as well as international relations of the country. It is time for peaceful negotiations and deliberations to develop together with other nations, and this visit proves to be a giant step in that direction.

During this visit, His Majesty, had a series of fruitful interactions with King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, while the heads of the two countries reached many agreements, that would have positive impact on the economy and international relations. 

Lauding the outcome of this historic visit, His Majesty the Sultan said it will have a positive impact on consolidating the deep-rooted historical ties. This will definitely prove beneficial to the peoples of both the countries.

After the crash in the oil price in 2014, Oman had faced major economic challenges, but the vision of His Majesty Sultan Haitham is expected to turn around the economy that has been manly focusing on the revenue from oil. Oman is looking for more investment in the near future, which would benefit the private sector investors as well, thus will help in boosting the economy.

The importance that Saudi Arabia has attributed to the visit was visible in Riyadh, as the buildings were lit up in red and green, resembling the colours of the Omani flag. Bestowing His Majesty with the King Abdulaziz Medal, the highest civilian award by King Salman, showed the affection Saudi Arabia has towards Oman. It also proved the greatness and legacy of His Majesty Sultan Haitham. 

This visit by His Majesty also marks the opening of the long-delayed road project between Oman and Saudi Arabia through the world’s largest sand desert which is expected to be completed soon. The new road starts from Ibri, a town in south-west Oman, and ends in Al Ahsa in east Saudi Arabia, saves 16 hours of travel time, which will have far-reaching benefit for Oman, including diversifying the trade routes, which would also reflect in the reforms that the Sultanate is undergoing. According to Oman’s foreign minister, Sayyid Badr Al Busaidi, the opening of the new road linking the two countries would facilitate logistics and other infrastructure projects.

In the fast changing world order and economy, the joint cooperation of Oman and Saudi would help them in various fields of mutual interest. On Sunday, both the nations signed an MOU to establish a joint coordination council to oversee several agreements, which underscores the importance that they give to the mutual agreements.

Oman and Saudi share a common history and their relation is maintaining the same strength and warmth for the last five decades, which was stamped once again with His Majesty’s visit.

Since both the nations are on the path of diversifying their economy, the economic, trade and investment partnership between them are likely to be strengthened in the coming days. 

In the backdrop of Oman’s Vision 2040 and Saudi’s Vision 2030, both countries are likely to create more investment opportunities, especially in the private sector.