Prime Minister to welcome Sultan of Oman to No 10 as part of state visit to UK

The Prime Minister has hailed “a friendship which generates real benefits” between Britain and Oman, ahead of welcoming Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said to No 10.

Oman is a key Middle East ally of the UK and the state visit comes as America’s war against Iran continues.

Sultan Haitham bin Tarik al Said and the King (Jonathan Brady/PA)

PA Wire

The vital Strait of Hormuz shipping route, which effectively remains closed to oil tankers because of a blockade orchestrated by Tehran, is off the coast of Oman.

Ahead of the Downing Street meeting, Mr Burnham said: “I’m delighted to welcome His Majesty The Sultan to the UK – the UK and Oman have built a friendship which generates real benefits for people at home, and I look forward to shaping the next chapter of our relationship.

“Economic growth, security, defence, education: these are just some of the priorities we share as we plot a course through an increasingly complex world.

“Working together, we are leading with our values and creating opportunities for people in both our countries.”

The two leaders are expected to sign a new two-way investment agreement during the meeting, as well as a new maritime security pact aimed at sharing more information.

Britain is also expected to announce that the Chevening educational scholarship programme will return to Oman.

The Sultan of Oman and Charles at the state banquet on Tuesday night at Windsor Castle (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

PA Wire

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting and Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband are also expected to meet their Omani counterparts as part of the cross-government meetings.

Mr Miliband said: “The UK-Oman relationship spans almost four centuries and is built on trust and collaboration. His majesty the sultan’s visit to the United Kingdom reinforces this partnership for the future age.

“At what is a critical time for the Middle East, our close collaboration has never been more vital. Oman continues to play a valued diplomatic role in supporting the dialogue necessary to support a pathway to peace and regional stability – essential for the global economy and global security.

“Driving closer working across defence, trade and investment, and education, ensures that our long-standing friendship is a modern partnership that delivers for both the British and Omani people.”

The Sultan was welcomed by the King and Queen to Windsor Castle, as the state visit began on Tuesday.

The state visit is the first by a Sultan of Oman to the UK for 44 years.