PARIS — In a landmark moment for international diplomacy, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik concluded a high-profile two-day official visit to the French Republic from June 28 to June 29, 2026. The visit marked the first of its kind by an Omani head of state in nearly four decades, signaling a renewed and strategic phase in the longstanding relationship between Oman and France—one that now spans over fifty years.
Arrival in Paris – A Diplomatic Reception
On the evening of Sunday, June 28, His Majesty arrived at Orly International Airport in Paris, accompanied by a high-level delegation. The reception reflected the importance France attaches to its relationship with Oman.
His Majesty was warmly welcomed by:
- Roland Lescure, French Minister for Industry and Energy Sovereignty
- Nabil Hajlaoui, French Ambassador to Oman
- Ahmed bin Mohammed al-Araimi, Omani Ambassador to France
- Senior French military officials and diplomatic representatives
This reception set the tone for a visit centered on mutual respect, cooperation, and forward-looking partnership.
Ceremonial Honors at Les Invalides
The official program began the following morning, Monday, June 29, with a formal military reception at the historic Hôtel des Invalides—one of France’s most prestigious ceremonial sites.
Amid full military honors, the national anthems of Oman and France were played, symbolizing the deep-rooted diplomatic ties and shared commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. The ceremony underscored the significance of the visit as both nations reaffirmed their partnership on the global stage.
The Élysée Palace Summit
Later that day, His Majesty met with President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace, where the two leaders held extensive talks on regional security, economic cooperation, and global challenges.
A key outcome of the discussions was a shared commitment to enhancing maritime security, particularly in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. France and Oman emphasized coordinated international efforts to ensure safe navigation and de-escalation in the region—highlighting Oman’s longstanding role as a stabilizing diplomatic force.
Beyond security, the leaders explored opportunities in energy transition, technology, education, and infrastructure—areas central to Oman’s Vision 2040 and France’s global economic strategy.
Driving $2.25 Billion in Economic Agreements
Running parallel to the political discussions, the visit served as a major economic catalyst. His Majesty and President Macron jointly inaugurated the Franco-Omani Business Forum, which convened more than 60 leading companies and investors from both countries.
The forum culminated in a joint communiqué announcing approximately $2.25 billion (RO 865 million) in agreements and projects across key sectors, including:
- Renewable energy and energy transition
- Aerospace and space technology
- Water treatment and environmental sustainability
- Transportation and infrastructure development
In total, more than a dozen agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed, reflecting a shared ambition to expand cooperation beyond traditional sectors into innovation-driven industries.
Cultural and Strategic Dimensions
The visit also reinforced cultural and educational ties. Both nations expressed interest in expanding academic exchanges, research collaboration, and cultural initiatives, including museum partnerships that highlight shared heritage and global dialogue.
Symbolically, the visit marked a revival of high-level engagement after decades, reaffirming Oman’s position as a trusted international partner and France’s commitment to deeper engagement in the Gulf region.
The Departure: A Forward-Looking Partnership
Following an intensive schedule of ceremonies, high-level meetings, and economic engagements, His Majesty concluded the visit on the evening of June 29 and departed Paris.
The visit closed with a strong joint statement emphasizing continued cooperation, strategic investment, and shared responsibility in addressing regional and global challenges.
Conclusion
From his arrival in Paris to his departure just 48 hours later, Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s visit represented far more than a diplomatic engagement—it was a defining moment in Oman–France relations.
In an era of shifting geopolitical dynamics, the partnership between Muscat and Paris emerges not only as historic—but as essential for the future.
