British and Omani Heads of State
Britain’s King Charles praises Oman’s efforts to reopen Strait of Hormuz
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- King Charles III praised Oman’s diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
- Sultan Haitham bin Tariq began a three-day state visit to the United Kingdom, the first by an Omani sultan in more than four decades.
- The visit comes as Oman continues to play a mediating role amid regional tensions and the conflict between Washington and Tehran.
Britain’s King Charles III on Tuesday praised Oman’s efforts to promote peace and stability in the Middle East, as Sultan Haitham bin Tariq began a state visit to the United Kingdom; the first by an Omani sultan in more than four decades.
During a dinner hosted in the sultan’s honour at Windsor Castle, King Charles highlighted the longstanding diplomatic, military and historical ties between the two countries. He commended Oman’s efforts to de-escalate regional tensions and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global energy supplies.
Addressing around 160 guests, King Charles praised Oman’s “constructive neutrality” and its role as a trusted interlocutor among parties to regional conflicts, saying its diplomatic contributions extended beyond the strategic waterway.
The three-day state visit comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following the conflict between Washington and Tehran, with Muscat playing a central role in diplomatic mediation.
Sultan Haitham is scheduled to hold talks on Wednesday with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham to discuss security, trade and investment. Senior officials from major companies are also expected to attend related engagements.
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