On January 11, King Charles III presided over a welcome ceremony for Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman at Windsor Castle, opening the first state visit by an Omani ruler to Britain in 44 years. The event took place as the Middle East region faces serious turmoil.
At the ceremony, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq was greeted by a military honor guard in red ceremonial dress. Speaking at the state banquet that evening, the Omani ruler said his country had chosen the path of diplomacy in a region full of conflict.
"In a region that has seen too much conflict, Oman has chosen a different path, an independent path," Sultan Haitham bin Tariq said. "Britain has been a friend on this path and has stood with us in that responsibility," he added.
For his part, King Charles III praised Oman's mediation efforts in the Middle East, acknowledging Muscat's "noble efforts" in helping reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic shipping lane that has been blocked.
In a speech to about 160 guests at the dinner, the British monarch stressed: "I particularly want to acknowledge, at a time when conflict has returned to the region so painfully, Oman's enduring commitment to being a trusted interlocutor for all sides."
He added: "Oman's role across the Gulf and its stance of 'constructive neutrality,' as you have described it, carries meaning far beyond Hormuz and deserves our utmost respect."
Mediation role between the US and Iran
Oman is an important military ally of Britain and shares a border with the vital Hormuz shipping route. Since conflict between the US–Israel and Iran erupted in late February, Oman has played a mediating role in talks between Washington and Tehran.
According to the schedule, on January 12 Sultan Haitham bin Tariq will hold talks at Downing Street with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, with security, trade and investment expected to top the agenda.
Burnham was among the guests at the January 11 dinner, along with leaders of Shell, BP and Airbus, members of the royal family and other senior officials.
