Oman and Germany – established diplomatic relations and a fruitful economic partnership

Relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Federal Republic of Germany are witnessing remarkable development in all fields, thanks to well-established diplomatic relations, going back more than 50 years, which have resulted in a fruitful economic partnership.

The visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the Federal Republic last July, reflected the depth of bilateral relations and represented a new starting point for strengthening close cooperation between Oman and Germany in various fields especially in economic relations and in particular in the fields of renewable energy and green hydrogen.

During his visit to Germany, His Majesty held official discussions with Dr Steinmeier to explore the prospects for bilateral cooperation and to find ways to support and develop cooperation in various fields to the benefit of the two friendly peoples.

In July His Majesty also met with a number of German CEOs and business leaders, with the aim of developing trade relations and enhancing investment opportunities between Oman and Germany in various sectors.

His Majesty's visit to Germany saw the signing of a joint declaration of intent for cooperation in the field of energy, reflecting the desire of both countries to continue strengthening and developing cooperation for their mutual benefit.

Oman already has a number of bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding with Germany in order to develop economic and industrial cooperation, to encourage and protect investments, to regulate air services and to cooperate in health and other fields.

Such growing cooperation is thanks in part to the work of the Omani-German Joint Committee which holds meetings that open trade exchanges, deepen economic cooperation and multiply investment opportunities in the fields of energy and technology.

By the end of 2022 trade between Omani and Germany was recorded at more than 214 million Omani Riyals.

The most important commodities exported from Oman to Germany were methanol products, polyethylene, aluminium, electrical materials, and some foodstuffs such as fish, while the most important commodities imported from Germany were vehicles, machinery, electronic devices, medicines and food products.

By the end of 2022, 44 German companies were registered in Oman, with a total invested capital exceeding 16 million Omani riyals in various sectors including construction, mining, quarrying, industry, health and oil and gas.

The Omani-German Joint Committee does not only work on building economic cooperation, it also promotes cultural, scientific and academic exchanges. In this work it is supported by the Omani-German Friendship Association

Established in the 1970s, the Association represents a bridge connecting Oman and Germany. It was established at the request of civil society leaders to develop the bonds of cooperation and friendship between the Sultanate of Oman and a number of countries in various fields, including cultural, scientific, artistic, media, sports and social fields.

This week's official visit of the German President to Oman will therefore build on close and strong relations between Oman and Germany in the fields of trade and in terms of wider exchanges. All this reflects growing cooperation based on mutual respect.

Economic cooperation will be a major talking point this week, but political issues will also feature during the meetings between His Majesty and President Steinmeier, with events in the region likely to be the subject of detailed discussion and consultation.

Through their relations based on respect, good faith and mutual trust in dealing with many contemporary international issues, the two leaders will seek to find positive approaches to regional and international issues of mutual concern based on dialogue, peaceful methods and the principles of international law as the most effective way to establish international peace and security.

This is an unofficial English version of an Arabic report. To view the official Arabic text, click here