(MENAFN- Jordan News Agency)

Amman, Nov. 19 (Petra) -- Oman's Ambassador to Jordan, Sheikh Fahd bin Abdulrahman Alojaili, affirmed the depth of relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Jordan, describing them as long-standing, fraternal, and supported by a shared history and close cooperation across various fields.
In an interview with the Jordan News Agency (Petra) marking Oman's National Day, the ambassador said bilateral ties hold special historical and strategic significance under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and His Majesty King Abdullah II. He noted that the relationship is grounded in mutual respect and shared understanding.
Alojaili emphasized Oman's high appreciation for Jordan's positions in support of Arab causes and for King Abdullah II's role in reinforcing security and stability in the region. He added that the two countries have maintained aligned political views and approaches to regional and international issues since establishing diplomatic relations in 1972, relying on dialogue to help preserve international peace and security and uphold international law and state sovereignty.
On the Palestinian issue, the ambassador said Oman has urged the international community to take firm measures to stop Israeli violations against the Palestinian people. He reaffirmed Oman's position calling for Israel's withdrawal to the 1967 borders and for enabling the Palestinian people to establish an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital under the two-state solution and the Arab Peace Initiative. He stressed the need to halt escalation in Gaza and support efforts recognizing the Palestinians' right to a sovereign state.
He noted ongoing coordination between Oman and Jordan, adding that foreign ministers in both countries have maintained regular communication since the start of the war on Gaza to support the Palestinian position, strengthen Arab consultation, and ensure humanitarian aid reaches the Strip.
On the economic front, Alojaili said bilateral trade continues to make progress, though he noted the need for additional efforts to raise trade volumes to desired levels. He highlighted recent memoranda of understanding signed to enhance investment attraction, strengthen cooperation between chambers of commerce, and encourage business partnerships. He cited existing agreements, including the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, the Economic and Commercial Cooperation Agreement, and the Greater Arab Free Trade Area Agreement.
He pointed to the 2024 memorandum of understanding between the Oman Investment Authority and Jordan's Social Security Investment Fund aimed at expanding joint investment opportunities and establishing an Omani-Jordanian company to operate in promising sectors.
Trade between the two countries surpassed $185 million in 2024, reaching around $99 million by the end of May. Inter-Arab trade totaled $164 million, including $107 million in Jordanian exports, up 30 percent from 2023, while Jordanian imports from Oman reached $57.4 million.
Key Jordanian exports to Oman include pharmaceuticals, potash salts, fruits and vegetables, jewelry, certain meat products, and confectionery, while imports from Oman include iron and steel products, lubricants, pipes, and food products derived from animal fats.
The ambassador said 988 companies in Oman have Jordanian ownership, with total capital of about 208 million Omani rials, highlighting investments such as "Gran Lyon" in ICT and "Felix Pharmaceuticals" in the Salalah Free Zone. He added that both countries are well-positioned to develop into an integrated regional hub for modern industries and technology, benefiting from Jordan's gateway role to Arab and Middle Eastern markets and Oman's access to Asian and African markets.
Alojaili outlined Oman's ongoing development progress under the Tenth Five-Year Plan (2021–2025) and Vision Oman 2040, noting improvements in GDP growth, financial indicators, and fiscal surpluses. He reported 1.7 percent economic growth in the first half of 2024, a reduction in public debt to 14.5 billion rials, and tourism sector contributions reaching 2.7 billion rials, with 989 million rials in tourism spending.
He added that foreign direct investment in Oman rose 17.6 percent over the past five years to 26.677 billion rials through the fourth quarter of 2024, reflecting improved investment attractiveness driven by a supportive economic environment and advanced infrastructure. He also noted Oman's progress in global indices, ranking 53rd worldwide and 4th in the Arab world in UNIDO's Competitive Industrial Performance Index, and 69th globally in the 2025 Global Innovation Index.

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