Stephen Doughty, the UK Minister for Middle East Affairs, described the royal visit of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq to Britain as a sign of the deep and historical relations between the two friendly countries. During the official reception and state banquet attended by the Sultan of Oman and King Charles III, the depth of these historical relations was clearly evident.
Economic Dimensions of the Royal Visit
Doughty explained in an interview with local media that one of the main pillars of this royal visit is its economic aspect. He stated that Sultan Haitham bin Tariq has designed an ambitious program for the Sultanate of Oman that aligns with similar programs in Britain in the fields of economy and modern technologies. The royal visit also focuses on areas such as strategic minerals, renewable energies, and emerging technologies including artificial intelligence and space technology.
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Expansion of Educational and Security Cooperation
The UK Minister for Middle East Affairs also highlighted the importance of people-to-people relations between the two countries in the field of education and expressed happiness over the revival of the Chevening scholarship program between Oman and Britain. He referred to discussions that took place during the royal visit regarding strengthening cooperation between Omani and British universities in future technologies and emphasized that these technologies require global leadership, which Oman and Britain can achieve together.
Doughty also mentioned defense and security cooperation and noted that the Sultanate of Oman plays a vital diplomatic role at a time when the region is facing tensions and security disruptions. He reiterated Oman's efforts in this area and praised its role in maintaining communication channels among various countries.
The British minister expressed hope that the two countries would continue their cooperation in response to current challenges and join forces in maritime security and information exchange, especially to ensure the free flow of trade. Doughty also referred to the close cooperation between the two countries in international forums such as the United Nations to find diplomatic solutions to existing challenges and stated that Oman has played this vital role for several decades.
In conclusion, Doughty emphasized the importance of expanding economic relations, especially through a free trade agreement between Britain and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, and noted that efforts to finalize this agreement and understand new partnerships that are essential to address regional challenges must continue.
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