Chinese President Xi Jinping stated on Monday that China is ready to strengthen the synergy of development strategies with Oman, acting as a reliable partner in the energy sector, a promising partner in investment, and a participant in the development of advanced technologies and innovations.
These statements were made during meetings with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said of Oman, who was in China on a state visit.
Emphasizing the long-standing friendship between China and Oman, which is based on deep roots, a solid foundation, and bright prospects, Xi noted that both sides maintained mutual trust, sincerity, and respect, moving together on the path of justice and righteousness. He added that political trust between the countries has strengthened in recent years, mutually beneficial cooperation has borne fruit, and traditional friendship has been reinforced in the hearts of the peoples of both nations.
Xi highlighted that this was the first visit by the head of state of Oman to China since the establishment of diplomatic relations 48 years ago. He expressed confidence that these discussions would become an important chapter in the history of relations between China and Oman and provide a powerful impetus to the development of bilateral ties.
The Chinese President stated that the parties should deepen political trust, enhance management experience exchange, and further emphasize the strategic nature of relations between China and Oman. He also noted that China supports Oman in ensuring its national independence, sovereignty, security, and stability, as well as in independently finding a path of development that aligns with its national realities.
He called for expanding practical cooperation and further strengthening the foundations of mutual benefit and a 'win-win' situation. Xi announced that China intends to make bilateral energy cooperation more multifaceted and comprehensive, enhance exchanges in industries, investments, artificial intelligence, science, and technology, as well as in people-to-people relations, joining forces towards development, revival, and modernization.
Regarding the regional situation, Xi stated that the Middle East and the Persian Gulf should not become an arena for great power rivalry or geopolitical conflict, adding that joint efforts are necessary to maintain peace and stability in the region. China will continue to advocate for the resolution of disputes through political and diplomatic means and supports the countries of the region in building a common home of good neighborliness, development, security, and cooperation.
Xi also mentioned that China is ready to strengthen ties and coordination with Oman, as well as with other Arab states and members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for joint work on the swift restoration of peace and tranquility in the region and achieving long-term stability.
Haitham responded that Oman and China enjoy a long-standing friendship and have always respected each other. He confirmed that Oman firmly adheres to the principle of one China and supports China in defending its national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Haitham also noted that China has been Oman's largest trading partner for many years, and investments by Chinese enterprises in Oman continue to grow, making economic ties between the two countries increasingly complex and diverse. Oman is ready to coordinate development strategies with China and strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, industry, infrastructure, AI, science, and technology, as well as in other areas.
Furthermore, Haitham highly praised China's fair stance on the Middle East issue and is ready to support close coordination with China to uphold international law, advocate for peaceful dispute resolution, and jointly promote security and stability in the region and beyond.
Following the talks, the heads of state jointly signed a number of documents on cooperation in areas such as industry and supply chains, green development, and digital finance. During the visit, the parties issued a Joint Statement of the People's Republic of China and the Sultanate of Oman on Deepening Strategic Partnership between China and Oman.
