(MENAFN- The Peninsula)
QNA
The State of Qatar and the sisterly Sultanate of Oman are linked by deep-rooted historical fraternal strategic relations, strengthened by the bonds of language, history, and common interests based on cooperation, coordination, and mutual respect. These relations are witnessing continuous development in various sectors thanks to the interest and patronage of the Amir H H sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and his brother HM Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of the Sultanate of Oman.
Qatari-Omani relations are well established since time immemorial, as the two brotherly peoples and the various official bodies in the two countries are keen to document, strengthen, and advance them to broad and fruitful horizons in all fields to represent a model for relations between brothers.
In the context of the common keenness to develop relations between Doha and Muscat, the state visit of the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to the sisterly Sultanate of Oman Tuesday comes at the kind invitation of his brother HM Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of the Sultanate of Oman. During the visit, discussions will address ways to enhance the strong fraternal relations between the two brotherly countries in various fields to achieve the interests and aspirations of the two countries, in addition to discussing a number of issues of common interest.
H H the Amir's state visit to the Sultanate, the discussions that will be held during it, and the agreements and memoranda of understanding that will be signed within its framework are expected to contribute to advancing bilateral relations, which are now on the verge of further cooperation that will take them to promising horizons and advanced stages of prosperity, coordination, and economic integration in a way that achieves the aspirations of the two countries and their brotherly peoples.
The two countries have been linked by close relations that have become more solid and deep after the independence of the State of Qatar. In 1973, an Amiri decree was issued appointing the first ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Sultanate of Oman, while the first ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman presented his credentials in Doha in 1974. Relations between the State of Qatar and the Sultanate of Oman have always been characterized by stability, steadfastness, and prosperity, as they derive their roots from the ties of history and geography and the continuous support and care of H H the Amir and his brother, H M Sultan of the sisterly Sultanate of Oman until they reached their current level of development and integration in all fields and levels.
The mutual visits between the leaders of the two countries and the intensive visits by senior officials and various delegations in the two countries are a practical translation of the close historical ties between the two countries, as they have contributed over the years to strengthening the bonds of brotherhood and pushing cooperation between them forward at an increasing pace.
In the context of visits at the level of leaders, H H the Amir paid an official visit to the Sultanate of Oman in October 2013, while in and November 2021, H M Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of the Sultanate of Oman paid a state visit to the State of Qatar at a kind invitation from H H the Amir, during which bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries and ways to enhance and develop them were discussed, especially in the political, economic, investment, tourism, and transportation fields. Views were also exchanged on the prospects for strengthening Joint Gulf Action to enhance the security and stability of the region.
A joint statement issued at the conclusion of the visit affirmed the keenness of the State of Qatar and the Sultanate of Oman to strengthen bilateral relations and the strong political will of the leadership in the two countries to advance all aspects of cooperation at all levels, which will open new horizons of consultation, coordination, and cooperation between the two brotherly countries.
The talks reflected the depth of bilateral relations and the convergence of the two countries' positions on regional and international issues, especially the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in addressing all regional issues. The statement indicated that H H the Amir and H M the Sultan praised the distinguished cooperation and partnership relations between the two countries in all fields, affirming the common desire to cooperate in the field of clean energy and joint cooperation in exchanging expertise to reduce climate change.
The two sides emphasized that the real and diverse opportunities in the two countries constitute a solid basis for strengthening relations, increasing investment opportunities, establishing partnerships, and completing value-added projects in many sectors and fields, in addition to increasing and diversifying the volume of trade exchange and enhancing the role of the private sector to achieve integration in the interests of the two countries.
In an indication of the distinction and uniqueness of relations between the two countries, H H the Amir presented to his brother H M Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, the Sword of the Founder Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani, reflecting the fraternal ties between the people of Qatar, and Oman, and His Highness appreciation of HM the Sultan. The Sword of the Founder is the highest national decoration, presented to kings, princes, and heads of state. H M the Sultan also presented H H the Amir with the Oman Civil Order of the First Class to his brother in appreciation of His Highness and as an expression of the strength and long history of brotherly relations between the Qatari and Omani peoples. The Oman Civil Order of the First Class is considered one of the highest Omani decorations awarded to kings and heads of state whose countries have distinguished relations with the Sultanate of Oman and to senior figures who enjoy the high appreciation of H M the Sultan.
Relations between the two countries are regulated by a set of agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the economic, commercial, investment, cultural, diplomatic, scientific, tourism, military, avoidance of double taxation, maritime transport, hospitality, labor, and human resources development fields.
Over the past few years, economic and trade cooperation between the State of Qatar and the Sultanate of Oman has witnessed remarkable development in the sectors of agriculture, livestock, transportation, communications, energy, tourism, education, construction, and banking services, pointing out that the volume of trade exchange between the two countries reached $1.2 billion during the first seven months of 2024.
There are 15 Qatari companies in the Omani market, and about 200 Omani companies operate in the Qatari market with 100 percent Omani capital. Meanwhile, about 200 other Omani companies are operating in Qatar in partnership with Qatari companies in various sectors, such as trade and contracting. Trade and investment relations between the two brotherly countries focus on vital sectors, such as energy, industry, tourism, logistics, and other areas that serve mutual interests. The investment field between Doha and Muscat has witnessed significant development, including the Karwa Motors project and the Qatari Diar project in Ras Al Hadd. There are also a number of joint projects in the fields of agriculture, hotels, tourism, transportation, logistics, and the real estate sector, and the value of Qatari investments in the Sultanate is estimated at about QR two billion.
A joint investment fund was established between the Omani and Qatari sides under the name of Al Hosn Investment Company (HIC), established in 2007, and the company invests in projects from various sectors, including banking, industry, communications and technology, food, healthcare, education, tourism, oil, and gas, and resulted in investment partnerships, including the establishment of the Oman National Investment Development Company (TANMIA), the Qatar Primary Materials Company (AL-AWALIA), and others.
The Omani-Qatari Joint Committee plays a distinguished role in strengthening and developing economic relations between the two countries. Last December, the committee held its 23rd session in Doha, during which it reviewed aspects of cooperation between the two brotherly countries in various fields that serve their common interests, especially economic, commercial, and investment cooperation, and followed up on a number of joint projects and discussed a set of proposals and visions to enhance cooperation between the two countries and encourage joint investments in the fields of agriculture, communications, transportation, tourism, banking, and education.
To activate cooperation between businessmen from both sides, the Omani-Qatari Businessmen Council was established under the umbrella of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry to strengthen trade relations, open up areas of joint investment between the two countries, activate mutual visits of trade delegations between the two countries, and participate in joint trade exhibitions. The Council meets periodically and discusses the possibility of establishing joint projects and trade alliances between Qatari companies and their Omani counterparts in various fields.
The commercial and economic activities between the two countries reflect a sincere desire of the Qatari and Omani business communities to move the economic relations between the two sides from the level of distinguished fraternal relations to the level of strategic relations and economic partnerships that translate the common ambitions and aspirations into giant economic projects and entities that benefit the national economy in both countries.
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