Lebanese President Joseph Aoun Hails Omani Ties, Calls for Expanded Economic Partnership
Muscat, The Gulf Observer: President General Joseph Aoun of the Lebanese Republic has affirmed that his visit to the Sultanate of Oman and his meeting with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik will elevate bilateral relations to broader horizons, particularly in economic and investment cooperation.
In a statement to the Oman News Agency (ONA), President Aoun emphasized the depth of historical ties between Oman and Lebanon, noting the two nations’ shared commitment to strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors in a manner that serves the interests of both countries and their peoples.
Toward a Strategic Partnership
President Aoun stated that Muscat and Beirut are looking forward to building a strategic partnership grounded in common interests. Priority sectors identified for enhanced cooperation include trade and retail, construction, manufacturing, transportation, food services, artificial intelligence, education, agriculture, services, and healthcare. Both sides are also exploring mechanisms to streamline transit and commercial exchange.
He highlighted recent positive indicators reflecting growing economic engagement between the two nations. Trade exchange volume between Oman and Lebanon increased by 29.4 percent in the first half of 2025, while the number of Lebanese companies registered in Oman exceeded 1,035 as of September 2025. The president underscored the importance of activating bilateral agreements in commercial, agricultural, health, and cultural fields to sustain this momentum.
Praise for Oman’s Diplomacy
President Aoun commended Oman’s widely respected diplomatic approach, describing its balanced foreign policy as pivotal in mediating regional conflicts and easing tensions. He affirmed that Lebanon values the Sultanate’s neutral and constructive role, which has enabled it to facilitate dialogue across the region.
He added that Lebanon remains keen to restore and deepen its relations with Arab countries, including efforts to expand communication and cooperation with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states.
Call for Dialogue and Regional Peace
The Lebanese president reiterated his country’s commitment to prioritizing dialogue over confrontation. He noted that he has called for rejecting wars and embracing negotiations as the only viable means to resolve outstanding disputes.
Expressing hope for a new era of regional stability, President Aoun said Lebanon supports the pursuit of just and comprehensive peace based on the Arab Peace Initiative adopted in Beirut in 2002.
His visit to Oman marks a renewed step in strengthening bilateral ties and underscores both nations’ intent to broaden cooperation across political, economic, and cultural domains.
