Friday 18 / April / 2025
Amsterdam: The Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of the Netherlands have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation across various sectors, emphasising the importance of government-to-government collaboration and business partnerships to drive mutual economic growth and innovation.
This came in a joint communique issued on the occasion of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s state-visit to the Netherlands. It reads as follows:
“On 15 and 16 April, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Sultan of Oman, paid a State Visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands at the invitation of His Majesty King Willem-Alexander.
The visit underscored the deep historical ties between Oman and the Netherlands, tracing back over 400 years of trade and people-to-people connections. The two nations have evolved from early maritime exchanges into a dynamic partnership rooted in openness, international trade, and fostering dialogue on global challenges.
During the visit, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik met with His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and Prime Minister Dick Schoof, and engaged in a comprehensive exchange on bilateral and international issues. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation across various sectors, emphasising the importance of government-to-government collaboration and business partnerships to drive mutual economic growth and innovation. The visit also saw the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding that establish a framework to enhance various fields.
Opportunities for trade and investment in key sectors such as energy transition, sustainable logistics and water were explored. A CEO round table followed by a reception with His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, facilitated discussions on expanding business ties. Recognizing their shared maritime heritage and strategic advantages in the maritime and logistics sectors, both nations explored ways to deepen cooperation in port development and sustainable logistics. In this regard, discussions were held on enhancing collaboration between the Ports of Sohar and Salalah, Rotterdam and Amsterdam, as well as on innovative marine construction initiatives harnessing ocean currents as part of their shared commitment to sustainability. The two nations reiterated their commitment to advancing the energy transition, focusing on decarbonisation, renewable energy, and green hydrogen. Cooperation in water management was also a key area of discussion, building on the long-standing expertise of both countries in sustainable water solutions.
Acknowledging the importance of people-to-people connections, Oman and the Netherlands committed to strengthening cooperation in governance, cultural exchange, science, and sports. Both nations emphasised knowledge exchange and innovation, aligning with the triple helix model, where government, academia, and business collaborate for sustainable development.
Oman and the Netherlands reiterated their shared commitment to global peace and stability through dialogue and diplomacy. They exchanged views on regional developments and emphasized constructive engagement in addressing global challenges.
Both sides expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the visit and their determination to build on this momentum for the benefit of both countries. Looking ahead, the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of the Netherlands remain committed to strengthening their historic and strategic relationship, deepening cooperation across key sectors, and fostering a future built on collaboration and mutual understanding”.
