Oman, China enter strategic partnership

Marking the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Oman and China, the two countries released a joint statement on the establishment of a strategic partnership, international media reported over the weekend.

With Beijing and Muscat seeing increasing bilateral relations and investment, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Omani Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al Said agreed to enter the partnership, which focuses on co-operation across multiple industries, including oil and gas.

The joint statement highlighted that energy co-operation is “an important pillar”:

“Both sides support more cooperation between the companies in both countries in crude oil trade, exploration, development of oil and natural gas resources, engineering and refining services, petrochemicals fields and others. They also support enhancing co-operation in new and renewable energy fields.”

The two countries are also “keen on accelerating discussions” and “signing co-operation documents” regarding the One Belt, One Road initiative.