Muscat – The historic first visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to Egypt and his meeting with President Abdul Fattah el Sisi will advance the deep-rooted relations between the two countries towards new horizons, according to Khalid Mohammed Radi, Ambassador of Egypt to Oman.

Radi emphasised the significance of His Majesty the Sultan’s visit to Egypt, expecting it to propel the longstanding relations between Oman and Egypt, marking a qualitative shift in bilateral ties.

During the visit, various important matters of mutual interest and international issues will be discussed.

The Egyptian Ambassador said that discussions between His Majesty the Sultan and the Egyptian President will focus on enhancing relations in political, economic, commercial, cultural and social spheres. Additionally, there will be a focus on coordination on regional and international matters, as the region requires increased cooperation to ensure peace, security and stability.

President Sisi’s visit to Oman in June 2022 played a pivotal role in shaping the relationship between the two countries. The visit saw the signing of several agreements in areas such as maritime navigation, investment, trade, industry, competition regulation, industrial development, investment promotion, environment, vocational and technical training, and higher education.

“The signing of these agreements laid the foundation for extensive mutual cooperation, resulting in a significant boost in trade exchange between Oman and Egypt in 2022.”

Ambassador Radi highlighted that trade volume between Oman and Egypt increased 52 per cent compared to 2021, with a total trade exchange of about EGP1.1bn.

Egyptian exports to Oman amounted to EGP433mn, while Egyptian imports from Oman stood at EGP760mn.

“These figures reflect the strong commitment of both countries to foster bilateral relations.”

The ambassador elaborated on the specific products being exchanged between Oman and Egypt. “Oman exports metal ores, fish, aluminium and related industries, and organic chemical products to Egypt. On the other hand, Oman imports various agricultural products, furniture, electrical appliances, dairy products and other items from Egypt.”

Under the guidance of their respective leaderships, officials from Oman and Egypt are actively working together to develop relations in various fields, he added.

“This joint effort is reflected in the economic, commercial and investment sectors. The volume of Egyptian investments in Oman has reached close to US$2bn. Oman’s favourable investment environment, regulations and facilities for foreign investors serve as significant incentives for investments, attracting investors from Egypt and other countries.”

Radi emphasised that Oman’s upgraded credit rating is a testament to the efforts undertaken under the Royal directives of His Majesty the Sultan, which have established Oman as a haven of security and stability.

He further highlighted the increasing number of Egyptian companies in Oman, which now stands at around 1,900. “The visit of His Majesty the Sultan serves as a message to further strengthen relations across multiple levels, particularly in the economic, commercial and cultural domains.”

The ambassador described the cultural relations between Oman and Egypt as extensive and diverse, covering various fields, including the art, literature, cinema and theatre.

Reiterating the shared perspectives of the two countries on regional and international issues, Radi said that these views stem from common values centred on establishing principles of security, peace and adherence to international law.

The Egyptian ambassador commended Oman’s distinguished diplomacy in addressing various regional issues. He acknowledged Oman’s steadfast support for peace efforts in different parts of the region and highlighted the care and attention provided by the Omani government and people to the Egyptian community residing in Oman.

“The Egyptian community actively participates in various development programmes, making positive contributions to Oman’s progress in multiple fields.”