MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik returned home after concluding a two-day state visit to the State of Qatar, which came in response to the invitation of Shaikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, Emir of Qatar.
During the visit, His Majesty held a round of official talks with Shaikh Tamim. The two leaders discussed aspects of cooperation and means of enhancing fraternal relations to achieve the aspirations of their peoples.
His Majesty was received at the Royal Airport by HH Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmood al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers, HH Sayyid Asaad bin Tarik al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Affairs, Personal Representative of His Majesty the Sultan and other dignitaries.
The Sultanate of Oman and the State of Qatar on Tuesday issued a joint communique reading as follows. “Based on the strong fraternal relations and deep-rooted historical ties binding the Sultanate of Oman and the State of Qatar, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik made a historic state visit to Qatar on November 22 and 23 in response to an invitation from Shaikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar.”
His Majesty the Sultan and the Emir of Qatar held expanded talks that reviewed bilateral relations and ways of developing them in various spheres. The two leaders also exchanged views about a number of regional and international issues. The talks showed that relations between the Sultanate of Oman and Qatar are deep-rooted and their stands identical on regional and international issues. They reflected the two countries’ emphasis on the significance of dialogue in resolving all issues of the region.
At the level of bilateral relations, the two sides affirmed the leaderships’ strong political will and firm resolve to upgrade all areas of cooperation. The historical visit of His Majesty to Qatar will open new vistas of consultation, coordination and cooperation between the two countries.
His Majesty the Sultan and Emir of Qatar commended the excellent bonds binding the two countries, notably their great scopes of cooperation and partnership. The two leaders reiterated their desire to promote cooperation in the areas of clean energy and their keenness to exchange expertise on ways to curb climate change.
DIVERSE OPPORTUNITIES
The two sides stressed that tangible, diverse opportunities in the two countries constitute strong grounds for consolidating relations, expanding investment opportunities, establishing partnerships, realising value added projects across different sectors, augmenting and diversifying the volume of commercial exchange and enhancing the role of the private sector to achieve their common interests.
Several pacts were signed as part of the state visit, including an agreement on military cooperation between the Sultanate of Oman’s Government and the Government of the State of Qatar, an agreement on avoidance of double taxation, an agreement in the field of investment, an agreement on cooperation in investment in Oman Shipping Company, a cooperation agreement for investment in hospitality sector and a memorandum of understanding in the field of labour and human resources development.
The Sultanate of Oman expressed its pride at the State of Qatar’s hosting Fifa World Cup 2022, affirming Sultanate of Oman’s confidence that Qatar would show unprecedented success in organising the major global event in a manner that reflects the region’s heritage and great potential.
At the regional and international levels, the two sides agreed on the importance of the role of Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf in enhancing security and stability in the region.
They also underscored the significance of consolidating consultation and coordination of stands at a bilateral level, as well as regional and international arenas, with the prime aim of serving Arab, Islamic and legitimate humanitarian issues — on top of which comes the Palestinian cause — and the need to bolster security and stability in the Middle East and the world at large.
At the conclusion of the visit, Shaikh Tamim expressed his heartfelt appreciation for His Majesty the Sultan and his pride at this historic visit.
Meanwhile, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik voiced his deep thanks to Shaikh Tamim and his great appreciation for the hospitality extended to him and his delegation during the visit. His Majesty the Sultan invited Shaikh Tamim to visit the Sultanate of Oman. — ONA
