UK and Oman agree to strengthen energy, defence and tech ties

Reuters

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tariq al-Said, agreed on 31 July to deepen cooperation in energy, defence, security and technology during talks in London, while calling for urgent humanitarian aid to reach Gaza.

The two leaders also discussed the ongoing UK-Gulf Cooperation Council trade negotiations and expressed concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza. A Downing Street spokesperson said both agreed the current conditions “cannot continue” and stressed the need for a longer-term peace plan.

UK Prime Minister Starmer briefed the Sultan of Oman on his recent conversations with world leaders and reiterated the UK’s stance on Palestinian statehood. On 30 July, Starmer announced that the United Kingdom would recognise a Palestinian state in September unless Israel made significant progress towards ending the conflict and achieving peace.

On regional diplomacy, Starmer thanked Sultan Haitham for Oman’s continued efforts to de-escalate tensions with Iran and help avoid renewed conflict in the region.

The meeting signals closer ties between the United Kingdom and Oman as London seeks to expand its influence and cooperation with Gulf states across multiple strategic sectors.

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