Muscat – His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik gave an audience at Al Barakah Palace on Sunday to David Lammy, United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs.

The meeting reviewed the historical and strategic relations between the two countries, as well as the Omani-British partnership that boosts economic diversification in the sultanate.

Lammy lauded His Majesty the Sultan’s modern development policies and the tangible impact of these across the country, while reaffirming the British government’s keenness to bolstering cooperation and investment in various fields.

His Majesty the Sultan expressed his appreciation for the bilateral cooperation and coordination between the two countries’ governments, welcoming current partnerships and future prospects.

Lammy also touched on several regional and international developments and heard His Majesty the Sultan’s perspectives on these matters. He expressed interest in the ceasefire efforts in Gaza and the pursuit of peace and stability, as well as the ongoing US-Iranian negotiations through Omani mediation to reach a new agreement concerning Tehran’s nuclear programme for peaceful purposes.

Oman, UK bilateral cooperation

Later in the day, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, received Lammy in his office.

During the meeting, the two ministers affirmed the joint desire to follow up on all areas of cooperation and ways of promoting these to serve joint interests.

The two also emphasised the importance of continued consultation, coordination and cooperation in all efforts that would strengthen the foundations of regional security, stability and peace. They also supported resolving issues through dialogue and diplomatic means, ensuring greater benefits for all countries and peoples.

Lammy underlined Oman’s support for negotiations aimed at finalising a free trade agreement between the GCC countries and the UK.

The meeting was attended by Munthir Mahfoudh al Manthri, Head of Europe Department in Foreign Ministry, Sir Oliver Robbins, Permanent Undersecretary at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and Lianne Sanders, UK Ambassador to Oman.