Xi stresses China-Oman partnership in energy, investment and high-tech innovation

Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Monday that China is ready to deepen the synergy of development strategies with Oman and be a stable and reliable partner in the energy sector, a partner with promising potential in investment, and a partner in fostering innovation in advanced technologies.

Xi made the remarks during talks with Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik Al Said of Oman, who is on a state visit to China.

Noting that China and Oman share a longstanding friendship characterized by deep roots, a solid foundation, and bright prospects, Xi said the two sides have maintained mutual trust, treated each other with sincerity, shown mutual respect, and walked together along the path of righteousness and justice. In recent years, political mutual trust between the two countries has deepened, mutually beneficial cooperation has yielded fruitful results, and the traditional friendship has taken firm root in the hearts of both peoples, he added.

Xi stressed that this is the first visit to China by an Omani head of state since the establishment of diplomatic ties 48 years ago. He expressed the confidence that the discussions will mark an important chapter in the history of China-Oman relations and inject strong impetus into the development of bilateral ties.

Xi said the two sides should deepen political mutual trust, strengthen sharing of governance experience, and further highlight the strategic nature of China-Oman relations. China supports Oman in safeguarding its national independence, sovereignty, security and stability, and in independently exploring a development path suited to its national realities, he said.

He called for expanding practical cooperation and further solidifying the foundation for mutual benefit and win-win outcomes. Xi said China aims to make bilateral energy cooperation more multi-dimensional and comprehensive, strengthen exchanges in industry, investment, AI, science and technology, and people-to-people ties, and join hands on the paths towards development, revitalization, and modernization.

On the regional situation, Xi said the Middle East and the Gulf region should not become an arena for major-power rivalry or geopolitical conflict, adding that concerted efforts are needed to foster and maintain peace and stability in the region. China will continue to advocate resolving disputes through political and diplomatic means, and supports regional countries in building a common home of good-neighborliness, development, security and cooperation, he said.

Xi also said China is ready to strengthen communication and coordination with Oman and other Arab states and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to jointly work for the early restoration of peace and tranquility in the region and the realization of lasting stability.

Haitham said Oman and China enjoy longstanding friendship and have always respected and trusted each other. Oman firmly adheres to the one-China principle and supports China in safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, he added.

Noting that China has been Oman’s largest trading partner for many years, and that Chinese enterprises’ investment in Oman has continued to grow, Haitham said economic ties between the two countries have become more comprehensive and diversified. Oman is ready to synergize development strategies with China and strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, industry, infrastructure, AI, science and technology, and other fields, he said.

Haitham also said Oman highly appreciates China’s just position on the Middle East issue and stands ready to maintain close coordination with China to uphold international law, advocate for the peaceful resolution of disputes, and jointly promote security and stability in the region and beyond.

After the talks, the two heads of state jointly witnessed the signing of multiple cooperation documents in areas such as industrial and supply chains, green development and digital finance.

During the visit, the two sides issued the Joint Statement between the People’s Republic of China and the Sultanate of Oman on Deepening the China-Oman Strategic Partnership.