Xi Pledges to Deepen China–Oman Strategic Partnership

Dragon Media News Desk

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said discussed expanding bilateral ties and promoting peace in the Middle East. During their meeting in Beijing on Monday, Xi said China was ready to deepen coordination between the two countries’ development strategies.

Xi said the Middle East and the Gulf should not become arenas for rivalry among major powers or geopolitical conflict. He said regional peace and stability required the joint efforts of all parties. China would also strengthen communication and coordination with Oman, Arab states and members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, he said.

Sultan Haitham praised China’s role in the Middle East and said Oman would coordinate with China to uphold international law, promote the peaceful resolution of disputes and support regional stability.

After the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of cooperation documents covering industrial and supply chains, green development, digital finance and applications of the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System. Oman’s Foreign Ministry said the two sides signed a local-currency exchange agreement, 14 memoranda of understanding and a cooperation protocol.

A joint statement issued during the visit called for resolving differences through political and diplomatic means, encouraged the United States and Iran to pursue peaceful options, and stressed the need to restore normal and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The two countries also agreed to maintain communication on issues concerning the waterway.

The visit, held from November 1 to 2, was the first by an Omani head of state to China since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1978. Analysts said the strategic partnership could expand beyond energy to include investment, artificial intelligence, the digital economy, ports and supply chains, education and technology.