King of Bahrain Begins Official Visit to Oman: Strengthening Strategic and Historical Ties

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of Bahrain, will begin his official visit to the Sultanate of Oman on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. This visit was initially scheduled for December 24, 2024, but was rescheduled to the current date.

In a statement issued today by the Sultanate of Oman’s Royal Court, it was announced:

“In the spirit of strengthening the bonds of friendship and brotherhood and enhancing the deep historical ties between the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Bahrain, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of Bahrain, will embark on an official visit to Oman starting Tuesday, January 14, 2025.

This visit, extended through the gracious invitation of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, aims to discuss matters of mutual interest and explore opportunities for cooperation. The discussions will also focus on strengthening Gulf cooperation and addressing regional and international developments.”

A Continuing Strategic Partnership Between Oman and Bahrain

The relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Bahrain have always been based on historical, cultural, and strategic foundations. This visit follows continuous efforts to strengthen cooperation between the two brotherly countries, building on the successful visit of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq to Bahrain in 2022.

Sultan Haitham’s Visit to Bahrain (2022)

During Sultan Haitham bin Tariq’s official visit to Bahrain in 2022, the two countries signed 24 agreements and memoranda of understanding in various fields, including security, maritime transport, education, innovation, and the environment.

These agreements paved the way for expanding bilateral cooperation and had positive impacts on the economic and political relations between the two countries.

Leaders’ Meeting at Al Alam Palace

During this visit, a meeting between the leaders of Oman and Bahrain will be hosted by Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa at Al Alam Palace. This meeting will focus on exploring ways to expand economic cooperation, investment opportunities, and leveraging shared interests for mutual benefit.

Oman-Bahrain Cooperation Statistics

• Bilateral Trade:
  • 2023: $642.6 million
  • End of September 2024: $340.8 million
• Bahraini Investments in Oman:
  • 315 Bahraini companies active in Oman as of October 2024
  • 80.1% of total investments
• Tourism:
  • In 2023:
    • 57,000 Omani tourists visited Bahrain
    • 47,000 Bahraini tourists visited Oman

Looking Toward the Future

This visit will not only continue the historical and cultural relations between the two countries but will also provide an opportunity to enhance new cooperation in areas such as financial technology, artificial intelligence, food security, and strategic investments.

A Step Toward Sustainable Development

With the shared vision of the leaders of Oman and Bahrain, this visit marks an important step in achieving common goals for sustainable and balanced development in the region, ensuring a bright future for the people of both brotherly nations.