Oman and Lebanon Set to Deepen Strategic Partnership Ahead of President Joseph Aoun’s Official Visit

Muscat, The Gulf Observer: The Sultanate of Oman and the Lebanese Republic are moving to strengthen bilateral cooperation across political, security, economic, and cultural fields, establishing a foundation for a new phase of strategic and economic partnership between the two nations.

The upcoming official visit of President General Joseph Aoun of the Lebanese Republic to Oman on Tuesday, and his meeting with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, is viewed as a key milestone reflecting the commitment of both leaderships to advance bilateral relations and expand them into broader horizons.

In a statement, Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Saidi, Ambassador of Oman to Lebanon, highlighted the strength and depth of relations between the two countries since the opening of Oman’s first embassy in Beirut in 1972. He noted that these relations are deeply rooted in shared Arab and historical ties.

The ambassador emphasized that both Oman and Lebanon attach significant importance to enhancing political and economic partnerships with Arab nations in support of sustainable development and economic integration. He pointed to Oman Vision 2040 and the Lebanese President’s oath speech as aligning closely in their focus on consolidating strategic relations. He expressed confidence that the upcoming visit would help activate the partnership, especially in economic, commercial, tourism, agricultural, and educational sectors.

Dr. Al-Saidi added that several memoranda of understanding are under review and are expected to be signed during the Omani–Lebanese Joint Committee meeting scheduled for the first half of next year. He noted that the visit reflects the strong and steady ties between the two countries, both of which enjoy attractive economic fundamentals and strategic geographical advantages.

On the political front, the ambassador reaffirmed Oman’s firm support for the sovereignty and unity of Lebanon and its outright rejection of any violation of Lebanese territory. He stressed Oman’s ongoing commitment to supporting diplomatic and political efforts aimed at strengthening Lebanon’s political and economic stability.

He explained that the Omani embassy in Lebanon plays an essential role in strengthening links between government bodies in both nations and in advancing economic diplomacy. This includes facilitating investment, enabling dialogue between economic stakeholders, organizing visits by business delegations, and supporting participation in joint exhibitions and events.

The embassy also works closely with Lebanese institutions to introduce investment opportunities in Oman, engage economic entities, and explore avenues for enhancing bilateral cooperation. Recent months have witnessed increased activity, including the meeting between Oman’s Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion and Lebanon’s Minister of Economy and Trade during the Omani–Lebanese Forum last September, and the meeting between the ministers of education of both countries in November.

Oman and Lebanon have long-standing commercial ties that date back centuries, contributing to vibrant cultural, intellectual, and historical exchanges between the two peoples. Both governments continue to provide incentives and facilities aimed at empowering the private sector to drive sustainable development.

According to the National Centre for Statistics and Information, trade volume between Oman and Lebanon grew by 29.4 percent in the first half of 2025, reaching OMR8.5 million (US$22.2 million), compared to OMR6.6 million (US$17.1 million) in the same period in 2024. Omani exports to Lebanon rose 30.7 percent to OMR2.8 million, while Lebanese exports to Oman reached OMR5.7 million, up 28.8 percent.

As of September 2025, more than 1,035 Lebanese companies were registered in Oman, with total invested capital estimated at OMR191.5 million, of which Lebanese contributions accounted for around 80 percent. These investments are primarily in trade and retail, construction, manufacturing, transportation, and food services.

In October 2025, Muscat hosted the Omani–Lebanese Economic Forum, aimed at boosting economic cooperation and expanding investment, industrial, and commercial opportunities. The forum featured discussions on partnership potential and a parallel exhibition showcasing products and services from over 100 companies across various industries. It also hosted business-to-business meetings between Omani and Lebanese entrepreneurs.

Faisal Abdullah Al Rowas, Chairman of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), praised the Omani–Lebanese economic relationship as a leading model of Arab cooperation built on mutual trust and shared aspirations for development. He highlighted the strong growth in trade and investment and expressed optimism for expanding cooperation, pointing to Oman’s attractive investment environment and Lebanon’s expertise in technology, services, and creative sectors.

Rashid Amer Al Muselhi, First Vice Chairman of OCCI, stated that economic relations between the two countries have entered an advanced phase of coordination, supported by aligned visions that open new paths for cooperation, particularly in technology, logistics, financial services, and inter-trade.

Lebanese businessman Abdullah Jamal said President Aoun’s visit would further strengthen economic and commercial cooperation, encouraging new investment ventures and joint projects. He noted significant opportunities for Lebanese investors in Oman’s industrial, tourism, technological, and renewable energy sectors, as well as special and free economic zones. Likewise, he identified opportunities for Omani companies in Lebanese sectors such as innovation, entrepreneurship, and specialized services.

He expressed confidence that the upcoming period would see an expansion in joint initiatives aimed at supporting investment and increasing trade exchange. He added that SalamAir’s resumption of flights to Beirut will contribute to strengthening the private sector’s role and elevating the level of strategic partnerships between Oman and Lebanon.