Based on the deeply-rooted historical relations and brotherly bonds between the leaderships and peoples of both the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and in order to strengthen the distinguished bilateral relations between the two countries, and in response to a generous invitation from The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik paid a state visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 1-2 Dhul Hijjah 1442 H corresponding to 11-12 July 2021.

His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud held a session of talks in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence during which they reviewed ways to develop cooperation between the two countries in various fields. They praised the current level of cooperation and coordination in the political, military and security fields such that it will achieve security and stability of the two brotherly countries.

The two sides welcomed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on the establishment of an Omani-Saudi Coordination Council co-chaired by the foreign ministers of both countries to strengthen bilateral relations in all fields. They also agreed to direct the concerned bodies to expedite the opening of the direct land route and border crossing, which will contribute to the smooth movement of citizens of the two countries and the integration of supply chains as a prelude to achieving the cherished economic integration between the two brotherly countries.

They welcomed the effective interaction between ministers in the two countries in discussing issues of mutual interest to both countries. They also directed the concerned officials to work on finalising a number of agreements and memorandums of understanding for cooperation in various economic, commercial, investment, security, cultural, diplomatic and educational fields and in everything that will enhance benefits and common interests to bring about prosperity and growth to the peoples of the two countries.

The two sides emphasised their intention to increase the pace of economic cooperation between the two countries through encouraging the government and private sectors to realise meaningful commercial and investment exchanges that will live up to the aspirations ad expectations of their peoples and contribute to achieving the targets of the Saudi Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and the Sultanate of Oman’s Vision 2040. This can be done through the launch of a number of joint initiatives covering key fields of cooperation, including investment in the Duqm zone, and cooperation in the fields of energy, culture, sports and tourism, in addition to partnership in food security.

They also welcomed the virtual meeting of the Omani-Saudi Business Council that was held via videoconferencing on 4 July 2021 with the participation of the Chairman of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Head of the Saudi Chambers Federation and the chairpersons of the Omani-Saudi Business Council in both countries. The meeting will, without doubt, promote direct and indirect investment opportunities between the private sector in both countries and will also increase the exchange of visits of business owners, the organisation of conferences and exhibitions as well as the establishment of economic projects between both countries.

The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in the fields of environment, food security and the Middle East Green Initiative unveiled by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence in the light of its benefit at the local, regional and global levels.

The two sides lauded the efforts of the OPEC Plus countries, led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and with the participation of the Sultanate of Oman, which have brought about stability and balance to oil markets, despite the weak demand resulting from the successive waves of the Coronavirus pandemic, which is still affecting a large part of the world. They stressed the necessity to continue cooperation to support oil market stability.

They also welcomed strengthening cooperation on the adoption of the Circular Carbon Economy approach, as approved by the G20, as an integrated and comprehensive framework to address and manage the challenges arising from greenhouse gas emissions through the available technologies and as an approach that constitutes an economically sustainable way to manage emissions through the applications of its four elements, namely reduction, reuse, recycling and elimination. The two sides noted the importance of the use of renewable energy sources and technologies as they contribute to sustaining global energy supplies.

They agreed to direct the concerned authorities to study opportunities for mutual investments in advanced technologies, innovation, energy projects, renewable energy, industry, the health sector, pharmaceutical industries, real estate development, tourism, petrochemicals, manufacturing industries, supply chains, logistical partnership, information technology and financial technology (fintech) that may benefit both countries; taking into account the available potential opportunities in both countries. The two sides also welcomed the participation of Saudi companies in investing in quality projects in the Sultanate.

The two sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest and agreed to coordinate their positions in a way that would serve their interests and support security and stability in the region and globally.

Regarding Yemen, the two sides expressed an identical view on the need to continue their efforts to find a comprehensive political settlement to the Yemeni crisis based on the Gulf initiative and its executive mechanism, the outcomes of Yemen’s Comprehensive National Dialogue Conference, and United Nations Security Council Resolution 2216, as well as the Saudi initiative to end the Yemeni crisis and alleviate the humanitarian suffering of the brotherly Yemeni people.

They also stressed the importance of cooperation and dealing seriously and effectively with all aspects and repercussions of the Iranian nuclear and ballistic missile issues in such a way that will contribute to achieving regional and international security and stability. They also emphasised the principle of good neighbourliness, respect for the resolutions of the United Nations and international legitimacy to spare the region from all that may destabilise security.

At the end of the visit, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik expressed his deep thanks to his brother The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence for the warm reception and generous hospitality accorded to His Majesty and the accompanying delegation.

His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Sultan of Oman, extended an invitation to his brother, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to visit his second country, the Sultanate of Oman. For his part, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud welcomed and expressed his appreciation for this invitation.

For his Part, The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz expressed his best wishes to his brother His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik wishing further progress and prosperity to the brotherly Omani people.

2/12/1332 H | 12/7/2021 AD

This is an unofficial English translation of the original Arabic text. To view the official Arabic text click here.