Political consultations between the Sultanate and the People's Republic of China

Political consultations between the governments of the Sultanate of Oman and the People's Republic of China were held at the Foreign Ministry today.

The Omani side was chaired by His Excellency Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi, Foreign Minister, while the Chinese side was chaired by His Excellency Wang Yi, State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China.

The consultations dealt with bilateral relations and cooperation between the Sultanate and the People's Republic of China on a range of economic, scientific and cultural fields. The two sides affirmed their support for strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation in all of these areas within the framework of Oman Vision 2040 and the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative.

The two sides also expressed their aspiration to increase and diversify Chinese investments in the Sultanate, stressing the central and vital importance in this respect of the China-Oman Industrial Park in Duqm.

The two sides welcomed entering into a bilateral agreement for the mutual exemption of entry visas between citizens of the two friendly countries. They also welcomed entering into an agreement for cooperation in the field of science and technology, and strengthening cooperation in the field of energy, including cooperation on renewable energy. In this regard, both sides welcomed the agreement of the two countries to sign a joint declaration in the field of energy under the umbrella of the Belt and Road Initiative, as well as cooperation in developing mining industries.

The two sides also welcomed the signing today of an executive programme for cooperation in the media, health and cultural fields for the years 2020 – 2024, and to enter into a protocol between the two countries for cooperation in the fishing sector and related fisheries industries.

The two sides emphasised the important role of the strategic consultation team existing between the two friendly countries and the importance of the joint committee headed by the commerce and industry ministers in both countries. They also emphasised their support for the Omani-Chinese Friendship Association, which contributes to deepening and diversifying the ties of friendship between the peoples of the two countries and between the various governmental and non-governmental institutions in a way that serves the relations between the two countries.

The two sides also exchanged views on a number of regional and international issues of mutual interest, affirming respect for the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of states; the United Nations Charter; support for international order that is based on law, equality and justice, and the strengthening of endeavours and means to achieve security and stability. They also affirmed the importance of resolving issues and disputes by peaceful means and through dialogue between the various parties to achieve world peace and harmony.

The two sides agreed on the importance of continuing consultations and the exchange of views between them on various regional and global issues and developments. Foremost among these, is the situation the world is currently facing in addressing the COVID 19 pandemic. The two sides stressed the importance of bilateral and multilateral cooperation with the exchange of relevant experiences and information to enhance joint efforts to control and prevent this pandemic. The Omani side expressed the thanks and appreciation of the Sultanate for the medical and preventive supplies donated by the Chinese government since the start of the COVID 19 pandemic.

During the visit, His Excellency the Foreign Minister and His Excellency the Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs unveiled a model of the memorial of the Chinese navigator Zheng He, which will be erected in the city of Salalah in commemoration of his visit to the Sultanate 600 years ago. The memorial will be a landmark celebrating the cultural and historical links between the civilisations of the two countries.

The meeting was attended by His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Ali bin Issa Alharthy, Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Diplomatic Affairs, Assistant Foreign Minister Deng Li and the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China accredited to the Sultanate, and a number of officials from the foreign ministries of the two countries.