Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman is expected to visit the Sultanate of Oman following the conclusion of the G20 Summit in the Indian capital, New Delhi.
During this visit, the Crown Prince will meet with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman.
The two will engage in bilateral discussions encompassing regional and international developments, as well as bilateral relations between the Kingdom and the Sultanate.
They will also explore opportunities to enhance economic cooperation between the two nations.
Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi emphasized that Omani-Saudi relations have evolved into “neighborly and exemplary” ties.
He pointed out that bilateral trade between the two nations has seen significant growth, with an increase of 123%, reaching approximately $7 billion in 2022.
Albusaidi, in exclusive remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, said that Oman and Saudi Arabia have made significant strides since the signing of the founding memorandum and the establishment of the Omani-Saudi Coordination Council.
This council has played a pivotal role in framing and deepening cooperation between the two countries across various dimensions, including political, economic, security, and more.
Albusaidi described the relationship between Oman and Saudi Arabia as “neighborly and exemplary, both in its form and content, receiving the utmost attention and gracious follow-up from the leadership of both countries.”
He emphasized that Saudi Arabia was the first destination for Sultan Haitham bin Tariq’s inaugural official foreign visit in 2021.
Albusaidi noted that, during this visit, a founding memorandum was signed, and the Omani-Saudi Coordination Council was established.
He stated that this council operates “to frame and deepen cooperation between the two countries across various dimensions, including political, economic, security, and others.”
Regarding the progress of cooperation between the two nations, the Omani Foreign Minister explained that, since the establishment of the council, Saudi Arabia and Oman have signed a series of agreements, memoranda of understanding, and executive programs aimed at achieving more mutual benefits and expanding the scope of shared interests and diversifying them.
“Today, we observe a growing and responsive interaction in line with the aspirations of both sides,” affirmed Albusaidi.
According to the top Omani diplomat, progress in bilateral ties can be tracked through the council and its subsidiary committees, as well as through the Omani-Saudi Business Council, which seeks to elevate trade exchange and stimulate private sector partnerships to strengthen the common economic foundation and create an attractive environment for trade, investment, and tourism.
Albusaidi also highlighted that “both the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia converge in two ambitious future visions, as we have Oman Vision 2040, corresponding to Saudi Vision 2030.”
“We are working to support these visions by exploring and developing opportunities and integration projects between them, especially in vital sectors such as logistics, renewable energy, food security, and water resources,” revealed Albusaidi.
