Full Text of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s Speech During His State Visit to China
His Majesty the Sultan also delivered a speech on this occasion. The full text of the speech reads as follows:
Address to the President of the People’s Republic of China
“Your Excellency President Xi Jinping, President of the friendly People’s Republic of China,
It is a great pleasure to be here in your esteemed country, the friendly People’s Republic of China—a nation that has long served as a civilizational and humanitarian bridge between the East and the West, besides being a hub for cultural radiance and intellectual diversity. We express our deepest appreciation for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to us—a testimony to the genuine character of the friendly Chinese people and the deep-rooted friendship and mutual respect that bind our two nations and peoples.
We take this opportunity to affirm the depth of the historical ties between the friendly People’s Republic of China and the Sultanate of Oman. We reiterate our commitment and direct support for the development of these relations, which have recently seen rapid growth across economic, commercial and investment sectors. I am accompanied on this visit by a number of ministers concerned, with the aim of exploring further opportunities for cooperation between our two countries. We also view this visit as a new starting point for the joint march of Omani-Chinese relations.
Strengthening Economic and Investment Relations
Relations between our two countries have witnessed constant positive development, since their inception. As a result, the People’s Republic of China has become the Sultanate of Oman’s primary trading partner. Over the past few years, direct investments by Chinese companies in our country—carried out in partnership with the Oman Investment Authority—have exceeded 33 billion Chinese yuan. The scope of this partnership has expanded to the sectors of energy, industry, infrastructure, logistics, and advanced technologies.
We view this development as a step forward in the nature of our economic relations—an initiative that led to fostering a deeper and more diversified partnership based on the exchange of expertise, joint investment, the development of productive capacities and the promoting of knowledge-based and technology-based industries.
We lay special emphasis to these relations, hoping that they would augment the volume of trade, encourage the implementation of joint investment projects through shared investment funds across a range of strategic sectors—notably the industries related to renewable energy, artificial intelligence, digital technologies, space and defence. In addition, we look forward to fostering cooperation between our respective educational and training institutions in a manner that promotes research and innovation in the fields of technology, healthcare, food security and other projects. We also underscore the importance of constant cultural cooperation that contributes to exchanging knowledge and encouraging cross-cultural engagement among peoples.
In addition, we lay special emphasis on cooperation between investment establishments and financial institutions, as well as opportunities to explore and develop the vital and strategic partnerships.
Proposed Preferential Trade and Investment Agreement
The Sultanate of Oman remains prepared to enter into a bilateral preferential trade and investment agreement with the People’s Republic of China. We are confident that such an agreement would open up new avenues for trade and investment, facilitate investment and commercial exchange between our two nations and pave the way for the realisation of mutual benefits and shared interests.
China’s Economic Development Model
We would like to express our admiration for your model of governance—a model that proved its mettle in successfully transforming your country into a major global economic power—one whose impact has transcended China’s borders and has even contributed to the economic advancement of many friendly nations. We share your vision that the human being is the central pillar and the ultimate goal of this economic development. It is observed that your economic mission—which is notably free from any political agendas or attempts of domination—is highly evident to us and it remains a cornerstone of deep respect and appreciation.
Oman Vision 2040 and the Belt and Road Initiative
Geography and maritime routes have long served as factors that fostered closer ties between the Sultanate of Oman and China. Today, the strategic location of the Sultanate of Oman offers significant advantages that are demonstrated by the connection of global markets and supply chains through Oman’s ports, its economic and industrial zones and its ongoing drive to develop infrastructure and logistic capabilities.
As a result, we view your initiative of the “Belt and Road” and our own “Oman Vision 2040” as frameworks that provide extensive opportunities for interaction between the development agendas of our two nations—notably in the sectors of advanced industries, renewable energy, green hydrogen, modern technologies, the digital economy and logistics.
Addressing Global Challenges Through Cooperation
The rapid developments that are currently unfolding across the globe—along with their impacts on lifestyles and the pressing challenges related to climate change, energy, food and health security and the stability of supply chains—all underscore the vital importance of partnerships that are rooted in trust and the exchange of mutual gains and interests.
We believe that development and stability are inextricably linked. The prosperity of nations requires an environment defined by security, peace, respect for state sovereignty and adherence to international law, where differences are resolved through peaceful means and resources are directed towards nation-building and development. While we value your leadership role in this regard, we also call for constant coordination with the People’s Republic of China in a manner that serves our mutual interests and contributes to the enhancement of international security, stability and cooperation. We express our deep appreciation for China’s positions on key issues concerning our region.
Oman’s Commitment to the One China Principle
We also reaffirm the Sultanate of Oman’s steadfast commitment to the “One China” principle, as well as our full support for China’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. This firm stance within our foreign policy reflects the mutual respect and political harmony that have characterized our bilateral relations for decades.
Building a Future-Oriented Strategic Partnership
While the ancient maritime Silk Roads once linked the ports of our two countries and peoples, our ambition today is to extend bridges of cooperation between our institutions, economies, and centres of research and innovation. We aim to keep developing our partnership—moving beyond mere trade routes, to a deeper integration in shaping the future.
Conclusion
We hereby reiterate our sincere appreciation and profound gratitude for this gracious invitation and the warm welcome extended to us. We look forward to maintaining this partnership and friendship in a manner that brings prosperity and development to our friendly peoples, while at the same time contributing to the promotion of peace, stability and growth.
We wish the friendly Chinese people further progress and prosperity.”
