LONDON: As he concluded a three-day visit to Spain on Wednesday, Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq held talks with King Felipe, during which both rulers emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to strengthen economic partnerships and foster growth and innovation.
The sultan also met Spain’s prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, and together they reaffirmed a shared commitment to the pursuit of peace and stability in regions worldwide plagued by conflict.
During their meeting, the sultan and King Felipe welcomed the Gaza peace deal signed in Sharm El-Sheikh last month, the terms of which established a ceasefire and provided for the release of hostages and improved humanitarian access to Gaza. The rulers said they appreciated the mediation efforts by the US, Egypt, Qatar and Turkiye, the Oman News Agency reported.
The peace agreement symbolized renewed hope, they added, for a fair resolution to the wider conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, based on a two-state solution, that defends the legitimate rights of both peoples.
They also expressed their support for the efforts of the international community in the implementation of the peace agreement, and emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian aid to increase, and for the reconstruction of Gaza to begin.
Other developments during Sultan Haitham’s visit included the signing of a “mutual visa-exemption agreement for official passport holders,” and several memorandums of understanding covering cultural cooperation, the clean energy transition, promotion of investment opportunities, water management, transportation, and agricultural development.
Representatives of the two countries, including officials from leading Spanish companies in the energy, engineering, technology and other key sectors, also explored cooperative opportunities in manufacturing, mining, tourism, artificial intelligence, energy, and space technology.
