China explores deeper partnership with Oman during sultan's visit

China and Oman have issued a joint statement on deepening their strategic ties following talks between the two heads of state in Beijing.

President Xi Jinping expresses readiness to deepen the alignment of development strategies with Oman to turn the countries into partners in energy, investment and high-tech innovation.

Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik Al Said landed in the Chinese capital on Sunday to kick off the first state visit to China by an Omani head of state since their diplomatic ties forged 48 years ago.

The sultan walked down the steps and shook hands with the People's Bank of China Governor Pan Gongsheng on the tarmac.

A ceremony took place at the North Hall of the Great Hall of the People the next day to welcome Sultan Haitham and his entourage comprised of deputy prime minister for defence affairs, minister of the Diwan of Royal Court and minister of the Royal Office, among others.

A 21-gun salute was fired at the Tian'anmen Square. A military band performed the national anthems of both countries.

President Xi Jinping accompanied Sultan Haitham to review the Guard of Honour of the Chinese People's Liberation Army and then watched a march-past.

A welcome banquet was held at noon on Monday.

During their talks, Xi told the sultan the Middle East and the Gulf region should not become a wrestling ground for major-country rivalry and geopolitical conflicts, and signalled Beijing was willing to enhance communication and coordination with Arab countries including Oman for early restoration of peace and tranquility and the realisation of lasting stability.

This as Beijing announced its special envoy to the Middle East would embark visits to Oman, Iran and Saudi Arabia this month.

The Chinese leader stated his country has always been actively committed to promoting ceasefire and ending hostilities.

On bilateral ties, Xi stressed, "Expanding and deepening China-Oman relations is a shared strategic choice of both sides" that conforms to the trend of the times and meets the common expectations and well-being of the two peoples.

He urged deepened exchanges in industry, investment, artificial intelligence, science and technology, and culture, while calling on both sides to advance hand in hand along their respective paths of development, revitalisation, and modernisation.

Sultan Haitham took this opportunity to express his gratitude to the Chinese side and affirm the one-China principle, noting their traditional friendly relations are deep.

"We are willing to work together to further advance this relationship," he added.

They jointly witnessed the signing of cooperation documents spanning industrial and supply chains, green development, and digital finance following the talks.