Omani-Chinese Forum Kicks Off in Salalah

Salalah: An Omani-Chinese Forum titled “Historical Relations and Promising Prospects” was opened in Salalah today.

The forum was organized by three parties: Oman-China Friendship Association, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to the Sultanate of Oman and Alroya newspaper.

The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of Sheikh Ghosn Hilal Al Alawi, Chairman of the State Audit Institution (SAI).

The forum coincides with the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road initiative, as well as the 45th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic friendship relations between Oman and China.

Hatim Hamad Al Ta’ee, member of the State Council, said in a speech that Dhofar served as a bridge between Omani and Chinese civilizations. It constituted landmark that guided Chinese ships that sailed the seas to the Arabian Peninsula and explored its precious treasures, notably the Omani frankincense in the Governorate of Dhofar.

Al Ta’ee added that Oman maintained strong friendship relations with China throughout the ages.

For her part, Li Lingbing, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Oman, expressed delight at visiting the wilayat of Salalah for the second time in three months, the first time being upon the inauguration of the monument to Chinese navigator Zheng He.

Li Lingbing said that Chinese companies’ contractual value in Oman stood at $9.5 billion as at the end of 2022. She added that the volume of commercial exchange between the two countries during 2022 grew by 25.8% to $40.45 billion. The value of China’s imports from Oman rose by 26.7% to $36.24 billion, said Li Lingbing, noting that new direct Chinese investment in Oman surged by 116.75% to $21.74 million.

Dr. Khalid Salim Al Saeedi, Chairman of Oman-China Friendship Association, underscored the significance of the forum which, he said, reflected the depth of bilateral relations. He valued the timely support extended by the leaders of the two friendly countries, both by maximizing trade and economic exchange and by encouraging investment.

Meanwhile, Dr. Abdullah Saleh Al Sa’adi, former Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the Republic of China, presented a working paper titled “Peace Diplomacy and Compatible Visions”. The paper touched on various aspects of the two countries’ historical relations. Al Sa’adi pointed out that the two countries signed a cooperation document for the Belt and Road Initiative on 25 May 2018 on the 40th anniversary of establishment of Oman-China diplomatic relations.

On that date, the two countries announced their strategic partnership, said Al Sa’adi, noting that this gesture ushered in a new era of development and growth. The opening ceremony also included a discussion session that elaborated on the historical depth of Oman-China relations.

The workshop underlined the importance of the Belt and Road Initiative as a cornerstone for consolidating cooperation between the two friendly countries. It saw the participation of researchers and academics specialized in cultural, commercial, scientific, tourism and investment affairs.