Qatar and Oman: Great ambitions, strong strategic relationship

(MENAFN - Gulf Times) The state visit of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq–of the Sultanate of Oman to the country represents a practical confirmation of the strong and distinguished historical relations between the two brotherly countries and peoples. It is an indication of the keenness of their wise leadership, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and his brother Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, to develop, strengthen and advance these relations to broad and fruitful horizons in all fields. His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani with Sultan Qaboos bin Said His Highness Sheikh Khalifa al-Thani with Sultan Qaboos bin Said The Amir and the Sultan of Oman are scheduled to discuss ways to support and strengthen the well-established brotherly relations between the two countries and the prospects for their development, in order to achieve the interests and aspirations of the two brotherly peoples, in addition to discussing the latest developments on the regional and international arenas. The Omani-Qatari relations are characterised as brotherly and historically well-established relations that have developed over the past decades to include all fields. They are in continuous growth and development thanks to the directives of the leaderships of the two countries to consolidate what has been achieved and create broader horizons and opportunities for co-operation between the two countries and the two brotherly peoples. The two countries combine grand aspirations, common interests and converging visions, in addition to their pursuit of prosperity for their brotherly peoples and for brotherly and friendly peoples, and to spread a culture of peace, dialogue, co-operation and stability in the region and the world. The exchanged visits between Doha and Muscat, which culminated by visits of the leaders of the two countries and visits by senior officials and delegations from both sides, contributed to strengthening the bonds of brotherhood between the two countries and pushing co-operation between them forward at an increasing pace. The historical ties between the two countries and the generous directives of the two wise leaderships in the two brotherly countries have constituted an essential support for strong economic and commercial co-operation between them, based on the optimal utilisation of the enormous capabilities available on both sides, and opening the doors to progress and launch in to serve the two brotherly countries and peoples. The two countries are linked with a set of agreements and memorandums of understanding on cooperation in economic, commercial, cultural, diplomatic, scientific and tourism fields, as well as the Omani-Qatari Joint Committee, which has so far held 20 meetings since its formation. There is the Qatari-Omani Businessmen Council, which meets regularly, as well as the mutual trade fairs that made the relations between Doha and Muscat a model for what should be the relations between brothers. The commercial and economic activities between the two countries reflect a sincere desire from the Qatari and Omani business community to move the economic relations between the two sides from the level of distinguished brotherly relations to the level of strategic relations and economic partnerships that translate common aspirations and aspirations into giant economic projects and entities that benefit the national economy in both countries. The economic co-operation between Qatar and Oman has witnessed during the recent period a remarkable growth in the sectors of agriculture, livestock, transportation, communications, energy, tourism, education, construction and banking services. In addition to the investment field of the private sector, which has registered a great development, as there are a number of joint projects in the fields of agriculture and the building materials industry, with investments of nearly QR2bn. The trade exchange between the two countries has also recorded a big jump in recent years. It reached more than QR6.8bn during 2019. The number of joint Qatari-Omani companies operating in the Qatari market is estimated at more than 350 companies, operating in a variety of sectors, including services, energy, industry and others, while most of the Qatari investments in the Sultanate are divided into stakes, alliances and partnerships in more than 200 Omani companies, in different sectors. As part of media attention to the visit of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq–to Qatar, Oman News Agency (ONA) said in a report that the state visit paid by Sultan Haitham constitutes an impetus in strengthening the solid historical bilateral ties at various levels. The Omani News Agency (ONA) said that the two brotherly countries have compatible foreign policies on a number of regional and international issues, including the Palestinian cause, and on maintaining international peace and security, countering terrorism and encouraging dialogue to resolve issues and renounce violence, noting the two countries' keenness to strengthen the march of the GCC states. ONA also stressed that the visit will open wider horizons for the future of the two countries, especially in the economic aspect, one of the important pillars of Oman Vision 2040 and Qatar National Vision 2030, reinforced by legislative elements that stimulate investment and a facilitating, attractive and encouraging infrastructure. In an article by its editor-in-chief, Omani newspaper Alroeya said that choosing Qatar as the second foreign destination for Sultan Haitham since he took power in January 2020, affirms Oman's keenness to strengthen relations of partnership and integration with Gulf surroundings, and is in line with its constants of foreign policy that put co-operation with the Gulf states at the forefront of Omani diplomacy's priorities. The paper considered that Sultan's visit to Qatar bears many political and economic implications, pointing out that on the political level, this visit will increase the solidity of the inter-Gulf relations, and confirms that the relations between Oman and Qatar are getting stronger in light of the keenness of the leaderships of the two countries to strengthen the bonds of co-operation and enhance partnership bonds. It also said that the two countries have compatible foreign policies on many issues and files, especially with regard to the Gulf and Arab affairs, as well as a number of international issues, with the aim of establishing peace and harmony around the world. The Omani paper stressed that Oman and Qatar are keen to achieve regional and international stability, noting that this was evident in many positions and policies in favour of diplomatic solutions, and in the quest to build international partnerships based on co-operation and common interests. Alroeya newspaper underlined that the economic partnership between Oman and Qatar is seeing more co-operation and joint projects, stressing that Qatar is a strong and large investor in various fields. Increasing Qatari investments in Oman would benefit both sides, it added. For its part, Oman daily affirmed that Sultan's visit comes as a consolidation of the solid and distinguished relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the State of Qatar, and a strengthening of the bilateral ties between the two brotherly countries. Oman daily also said that the visit will witness talks on a number of issues of common interest to achieve the desired goals and aspirations of the two countries, reach fruitful results that serve their common interests, and ensure more growth, prosperity, and stability for the two countries' peoples in the present and the future. It added that the two countries' ties represent a role model for one of the strongest strategic relations in the region, thanks to the continuous support of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq–and His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani. The Omani newspaper emphasised that the bilateral relations between Oman and Qatar are characterised by stability and prosperity, as the mutual trust and respect constituted the greatest pillars of the relationship between the two countries, which are united by common visions, convergence of positions, coordination and continuous consultation in all fields and regional issues. Omani newspaper Alwatan said that the relations between Oman and Qatar are witnessing steady growth at all political, economic, cultural and other levels, pointing out that the volume of Qatari investments in the Omani market at the end of 2020 amounted to about OR388.6mn, an increase from the previous year, in which Qatari investments in the Sultanate reached about OR355.9mn, in addition to the growth of trade exchange in recent years. The paper also noted the depth of bilateral relations in various other fields. Alwatan affirmed that the visit stems from a well-established joint co-operation, and from extended historical relations dominated by mutual respect and a sought to strengthen the distinguished ties between Oman and Qatar. MENAFN23112021000067011011ID1103234014