Message from the Ambassador
I am delighted to welcome visitors to the official website of the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in the Kingdom of Belgium and its Mission to the European Union.
I hope that it will provide you with all the necessary information you might need in the fields covered by the Embassy.
The mission of the Embassy in Brussels is to consolidate the cooperation with the Kingdom of Belgium in different areas, in addition to strengthening relations with the European Union and its various institutions.
The website presents some features of the bilateral relations between Oman and Belgium, as well as between the Sultanate and the European Union. It shows the consular services provided by the Embassy to Omani citizens as well as foreigners. It also reflects the scope of political and diplomatic cooperation, trade and investment opportunities and general features of cultural, educational and scientific exchange activities.
The Ambassador and the diplomats will always be at your disposal and ready to welcome your opinions, suggestions and inquiries, in order to improve this official website. Be assured that your opinions are highly appreciated and respected.
Rua Issa Ashraf Alzadjali
Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to Belgium
Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the European Union
Key objectives
The aims of Oman’s mission to Belgium and the EU:
- Strengthening political and diplomatic ties
- Exploring prospects for cooperation in economic fields and joint investment opportunities
- Facilitating trade activities and exchange
- Promoting cultural and scientific exchanges and connecting different educational institutions in areas of common interest
Bilateral relations
Diplomatic representation between the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Belgium began on January 1st, 1978, at the level of non-resident ambassadors. Oman’s first resident ambassador to Brussels was appointed on June 4th, 2007, when he presented his credentials to His Majesty King Albert II.
Relations with the European Union began at the same time as the Embassy's work. Priorities were focused on strengthening the Sultanate's relations with the various European Union institutions.
Political and diplomatic cooperation
Oman and Belgium enjoy excellent relations and conduct political consultations on a regular basis to explore aspects of cooperation in different areas and push bilateral relations forwards.
In order to shape the relationship with the European Union, an agreement on cooperation arrangements was signed between Oman and the EU in September 2018. This agreement has been followed by political consultation sessions at the level of senior officials and experts from the two sides.
The relations between the two sides culminated in an agreement to open an EU delegation in Oman, which is expected to be inaugurated in 2023.
Economic cooperation
A vital economic project connects the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Belgium. This is the partnership between the Government of Oman, represented by the Special Economic Zone Authority at Duqm, and Antwerp Port Authority, which represents the Belgian side in this important economic investment.
The management agreement of Duqm port was signed in Muscat on March 28th, 2008. On July 8th, 2015 a Royal Decree was issued, approving the concession and usufruct agreements of the port of Duqm, as well as the shareholders’ agreement with the Belgian consortium of Antwerp Port Authority.
A number of other agreements have been concluded between Oman and Belgium including a comprehensive air transport agreement between the two countries, signed in February 1980 and a double taxation avoidance agreement, signed in December 2008.
At the European level, political consultation sessions between the two sides have led to mutual understandings in different areas including: energy, climate, trade, investment and technical and vocational education and training.
The two sides also reached an agreement on exchanging information and intensifying cooperation regarding World Customs Organisation reforms, digital trade, optimising tax governance, small and medium-sized business development and promoting international investment in tourism and projects.
For more general information about trade opportunities in Oman please click here.
Cultural, educational and scientific exchanges
A permanent section about the Sultanate of Oman was opened on April 12th, 2016 at the Museum of the History of Arab Culture and Civilisation in Brussels.
The Sultanate also has a section for Omani books in the Arabic Division of the Library of the University of Louvain – Antwerp. This was opened in late February 2017, as part of the Embassy’s contribution, along with the GCC, to establish a studies centre for the GCC at the university. Several academic visits have been exchanged between universities in the two countries.
Consular services
The Embassy provides a package of consular services to Omani citizens, residents in the Kingdom of Belgium or visitors, as well as to foreigners who have interests with the Sultanate of Oman. These services include the following:
- Lost passports
The applicant must appear in person at the Consular Section and submit a police report certified by the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
For further details, please contact the Consular Section on the following numbers: (from Belgium) 02 679 70 10 or 02 679 70 17 (or from abroad) +32 2 679 70 10 or +32 2 679 70 17. For more general information please click here
- Attestation of certificates, commercial invoices and agencies
For more information, please refer to the Consular Section officer at the above-mentioned numbers. For more general information please click here.
- Visa applications
Visas are granted by the Royal Oman Police. More information can be obtained on the websites here and here. For more general information please click here.
- Emergency help for Omani citizens
Omani citizens can contact the Embassy via the above-mentioned numbers, or through the following email: [email protected] For more general information please click here.