King Charles praises Oman’s diplomacy during sultan’s state visit

King Charles III praised Oman’s efforts to mediate in the Iran war and help reopen the Strait of Hormuz as he welcomed Sultan Haitham bin Tariq to Britain for a state visit on Tuesday.

At a banquet for about 160 guests at Windsor Castle, Charles called Oman a trusted intermediary in a region shaken by conflict. He praised its “noble efforts” to keep open one of the world’s most important shipping routes, which has been effectively closed since the war began.

“I would especially like to recognise, at a time when conflict has returned so painfully to the region, Oman’s enduring commitment as a trusted interlocutor to all parties,” the king said. Oman’s “constructive neutrality,” he added, “matters far beyond Hormuz, and is worthy of our utmost respect.”

The sultan said Oman had chosen diplomacy. “In a region that has known too much conflict, Oman has chosen a different path, an independent path,” he said. “Britain has been a friend on this path and has stood beside us in this duty.” The BBC also quoted him saying his country “seeks solutions… we believe in dialogue”.

The visit comes against the backdrop of the war that began after US and Israeli strikes on Iran in February. Those strikes killed Iran’s supreme leader, according to the BBC. Oman faces Iran across the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman. Al Jazeera reported that Oman has mediated talks between the United States and Iran since the war began, and that this is the first state visit to Britain by an Omani sultan in 44 years.

Charles and Queen Camilla formally welcomed the Omani delegation before a carriage procession to Windsor Castle. A military honour guard took part in the ceremonies. Prince William, Catherine and Princess Anne joined the royals at the state visit, while Prime Minister Andy Burnham attended his first state banquet.

The king delivered his banquet speech in English with some Arabic. He noted that Prince William had worked on an expedition project alongside the sultan’s son. “There can be few happier symbols of success than a living relationship being passed from one generation to the next,” Charles said.

Dinner in St George’s Hall included Scottish langoustine and Cornish crab, Windsor pheasant with spiced quince, and a baked Alaska made with Balmoral plum and Windsor estate honey ice cream. The BBC reported that a nonalcoholic spiced coffee drink replaced the traditional banquet cocktail, though wine was available. Guests also included the chief executives of Shell, BP and Airbus, according to Al Jazeera.

The sultan is due to meet Burnham at Downing Street on Wednesday, with security, trade and investment on the agenda. The BBC reported that the leaders are expected to sign an agreement to accelerate investment between their countries. The Foreign Office said it would result in more than £1 billion in new investment and generate jobs and opportunities in both countries.