Image credits :Yahoo News UK
The Sultan of Oman was warmly welcomed at Downing Street by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who celebrated “400 years of friendship” between the two nations. The meeting comes at a crucial time as regional tensions rise, particularly with concerns over Iran’s potential to escalate conflict through attacks on Israel. The military alliance between Britain and Oman is becoming increasingly significant, given the strategic role Oman plays in hosting British troops, aircraft, and warships for advanced training exercises. The key port of Duqm serves as a major logistics hub, further solidifying the partnership.
Sultan Haitham arrived in a silver Rolls-Royce and was greeted by Mr. Starmer on a red carpet. The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude for the Sultan’s visit so early in his government’s tenure, which was established just four weeks ago. Mr. Starmer said, “It’s a privilege to host you here. Our countries share a long history—400 years of strong friendship—and I aim to further enhance our relationship.”
Following their discussions, Downing Street released a statement indicating that both leaders acknowledged the “special friendship” between their countries and reviewed matters related to defense, security, and trade, expressing a commitment to further strengthening these ties. Mr. Starmer emphasized the “clear and urgent need for de-escalation” in the Middle East crisis, urging all involved parties to exercise restraint.
The situation in Gaza was a key topic, with Mr. Starmer advocating for a ceasefire, the safe return of Israeli hostages, and increased humanitarian aid. The two leaders concurred on the necessity of pursuing a two-state solution through ongoing peace processes and looked forward to collaborating closely in the future.
Additionally, the Sultan raised concerns about terrorism in Oman following a rare ISIS attack on a Shiite mosque in Muscat that resulted in six fatalities. The leaders also addressed the ongoing Houthi strikes on Red Sea shipping originating from Yemen, highlighting regional security challenges.