Relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are at a historical stage. And this is expected to get further momentum with the visit of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz al Saud, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to the Sultanate today.
The visit by the Crown Prince, another sign of warm ties between the two countries, follows the maiden trip of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik in July to the Kingdom paving way for broadening of the horizons for joint action in accordance with the aspirations of the peoples of the two brotherly countries.
No doubt, the visit reflects “time-honoured and historical” ties between the two countries. Principles on which Omani-Saudi relations are established are solid and enduring. Citizens of the two countries have long-standing bonds of fraternity, framed by common history, authentic Arab customs and traditions, and popular heritage.
The positive reactions of the Sultanate of Oman and Saudi Arabia at many levels are obvious. They underscore the keenness of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and King Salman bin Abdulaziz al Saud to press ahead with promoting this deep-rooted relationship.
Within the framework of the joint action between the two countries to strengthen economic relations, the visions of the Kingdom 2030 and Oman 2040 constitute a common denominator in the field of trade and benefit from the investment opportunities available, in a way that achieves for both countries diversity in their economies and sources of income.
During His Majesty the Sultan’s visit to Saudi Arabia, a number of agreements were signed for cooperation in different fields, especially real estate development, tourism, petrochemicals, manufacturing industries, logistics, information technology and banking systems.
More important was 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.
Now what the citizens of the two countries look at is whether the historic visit will see the opening of the first direct land border crossing between the two countries, in the Empty Quarter. If opened, the land route 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.
The keenness of the two countries on exchanging points of view about matters of common concern has been reflected in high-level meetings between their leaders and top officials during the recent past.
Over a period of two years between 2020 and 2021, the Sultanate and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia intensified high-level bilateral meetings.
In March last year, His Majesty the Sultan received Prince Khalid bin Salman al Saud, Deputy Minister of Defence of Saudi Arabia, who was on a visit to the Sultanate to explore aspects of existing cooperation between the two countries and ways to realise the joint interests of the Sultanate of Oman and Saudi peoples. In its political statements, the Sultanate has always expressed its support for the government of the Kingdom vis-à-vis a variety of issues.
The Sultanate welcomed the initiative announced by Saudi Arabia to reach a political settlement of the Yemeni crisis through dialogue with different parties and in cooperation with the UN efforts aimed at realising the desired political settlement in Yemen. The ongoing meetings between the leaderships of Saudi and Omani, at this time, no doubt, reflect the wisdom and foresight the two leaders enjoy in dealing with the latest developments in the region and internationally.
