Oman’s sultan concludes historic China visit amid US tensions: What to know
The visit, the first by an Omani head of state since 1978, comes as Oman is reportedly considering purchasing Chinese- and Pakistani-made JF-17 fighter jets as part of efforts to diversify its international partnerships amid growing regional tensions.
Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said concluded a landmark visit to Beijing on Monday where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The visit is the first by an Omani head of state since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1978.
What happened: A joint statement released after the meeting said the two leaders had agreed to strengthen the strategic partnership between China and Oman and expand bilateral cooperation in the oil and gas sectors and renewable energy.
They also stressed the importance of advancing negotiations on a free trade agreement between China and the Gulf Cooperation Council.
During his talks with Sultan Haitham, Xi said relations between the two countries were at a “new historical starting point,” expressing China's readiness to take the China-Oman strategic partnership to a higher level.
