Oman and France Deepen Investment Ties and Strategic Cooperation

The Sultanate of Oman and the French Republic have showed the importance of developing investment relations between the two nations, aiming to increase mutual investment in each other's productive sectors. This emphasis was articulated in a joint communique issued at the conclusion of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik's official visit to the French Republic. His Majesty Haitham bin Tarik, Sultan of Oman, paid the official visit to France on June 29, 2026, at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron. During the visit, His Majesty the Sultan and the French President held an official discussion session in Paris. This high-level engagement followed the first strategic dialogue between the two nations, which took place in Paris on April 14, 2026, setting the stage for deeper collaboration.

Economic Partnerships and Business Forum

His Majesty the Sultan and the French President officially opened the Franco-Omani business forum, an event that convened more than 60 French and Omani companies to explore investment opportunities. During the forum, major economic contracts were signed across various sectors, including renewable energy, water management, and aerospace. A Memorandum of Understanding on Investment Promotion was also formalized between the two nations. This MoU aims to streamline and encourage further cross-border investments.

France expressed its welcome for the partnership established between Oman and Airbus, which focuses on the construction of Oman's inaugural satellite. The French government also acknowledged the collaboration between CMA-CGM and Asyad Group, aimed at expanding and integrating logistics networks around Oman's ports. Another significant partnership recently signed involves Oman and Suez, focusing on water management initiatives within the Greater Muscat area. Additionally, EDF and Oman reached a first milestone in the development of pumped hydrostorage capacities within the Sultanate. The two nations also reaffirmed their cooperation in the strategic sectors of civil aviation and space, noting the breadth of their economic engagement. Further strengthening these ties, a letter of intent and a memorandum of understanding on transports, including cooperation in urban transport and metro systems, are slated for signing.

Both sides reiterated their joint commitment to implementing projects of mutual interest, emphasizing their intention to develop investment relations. This development is expected to occur through partnership opportunities identified within Oman Vision 2040 and France 2030, according to official statements. The specified areas of focus for these collaborations include renewable energy, hydrogen development, maritime infrastructure, logistics, information technology, transportation, tourism, culture, and the space industry. The bilateral relationship between Oman and France has historical depth, with the French consulate having opened in Muscat in 1894, establishing a long-standing foundation for diplomatic and economic ties.

Expanding Cultural and Academic Exchange

Several agreements were signed to enhance collaboration across cultural, scientific, and academic sectors between Oman and France. These agreements specifically cover student and research mobility, archaeology, museology, and health initiatives.

Both nations are committed to increasing the enrolment of students who meet admission requirements at the International French School of Muscat. Concurrently, efforts will be made to boost student mobility to France, operating within the framework of joint academic cooperation projects. A jointly funded mechanism is slated for establishment, involving public and private higher education institutions from both countries to facilitate these exchanges. This mechanism is designed to create more structured pathways for academic collaboration and student movement.

Collaborative research projects and dual-degree programmes are also priorities for promotion under the new agreements. Scholarship programmes for Omani students pursuing studies in France are to be expanded. The teaching of the French language in Oman will be strengthened, including the expansion of the French language pilot programme in Omani public schools. This initiative aims to foster linguistic and cultural understanding from an early age.

The Omani-French Centre in Muscat plays a role in promoting educational and cultural cooperation between the two nations. This centre organizes an annual summer school programme in France specifically for Omani students, providing immersive cultural experiences. Additionally, the strengthened partnership includes an emphasis on expertise exchange within the museum sector. Joint efforts will continue to open the Omani-French museum (Bait Faransa) “Maison de la France,” further solidifying cultural links. Cooperation in scientific research in archaeology will also be undertaken, leveraging the rich historical heritage of both regions. Scientific cooperation in the field of Humanities will be enhanced through the activities of the French Research Centre of the Arabian Peninsula (CEFREPA) office in Oman, fostering intellectual exchange and collaborative studies.

Defence, Security, and Regional Stability

Bilateral cooperation in the field of defence and security was a key topic of discussion between the Sultanate of Oman and the French Republic. Officials from both nations lauded the quality of current bilateral military cooperation, which includes the integration of French equipment within the Omani armed forces. Regular joint exercises involving all forces and visits by French warships to various Omani ports were also noted as indicators of this strong partnership.

Both countries affirmed intentions to enhance collaboration in key strategic areas, particularly maritime security and the fight against illicit trafficking. This deepened cooperation will extend to strengthening efforts in maritime intelligence, maritime surveillance, and the safeguarding of vital trade routes. These measures are key for maintaining stability in strategically important waterways.

Work initiated in 2022 on the Agreement on the Exchange and Reciprocal Protection of Classified and Protected Information in the Field of Defence is slated for finalization. Additionally, an agreement on information exchange between their respective military intelligence departments is also expected to be finalized soon, enhancing mutual understanding and threat assessment capabilities.

His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed their commitment to sustained coordination and joint efforts aimed at contributing to international peace and security. They showed the imperative of supporting de-escalation across the region, advancing conflict prevention, and countering all forms of terrorism. The leaders noted the critical importance of securing maritime routes and ensuring the freedom and safety of navigation in accordance with international law. They also recognized the strategic importance of Red Sea regional stability for the global economy, emphasizing its impact on global trade and security. The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs visited Muscat on May 1, further solidifying diplomatic discussions between the two nations and reinforcing the commitment to ongoing dialogue.

Global Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution

The Sultanate of Oman and the French Republic reaffirmed their commitment to the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter and to multilateralism. Both nations further underlined their commitment to the norms of international law, international humanitarian law, and international maritime law. They also reiterated their dedication to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, recognizing its fundamental role in governing oceanic affairs.

Oman and France reaffirmed their commitment to dialogue and diplomacy as primary means to resolve the crisis in the region. They welcomed the Memorandum of Understanding agreed between the United States and Iran, seeing it as a positive step towards de-escalation. Both sides also welcomed support for ongoing negotiations aimed at reaching a long-term diplomatic settlement, emphasizing the importance of sustained diplomatic efforts.

France specifically welcomed Oman’s mediation efforts on the nuclear issue, acknowledging the Sultanate's constructive role in regional diplomacy. The French Republic also acknowledged Oman's efforts to resolve the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, recognizing the maritime chokepoint's global importance. Conversely, Oman welcomed France’s efforts to support a swift resumption of traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, noting shared concerns over maritime security.

The two nations emphasized the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz. They reaffirmed their commitment to free, unconditional, and unrestricted navigation, including the right of transit passage in accordance with the law of the sea, which is vital for global commerce. Both sides concluded that lasting peace in the region can only be realized through a fair, full settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, based on the internationally agreed parameters.

Addressing Regional Crises

The Sultanate of Oman and the French Republic reaffirmed their full support for the Presidential Leadership Council of the Republic of Yemen. Both parties agreed on the great importance of supporting all United Nations and regional efforts to achieve an inclusive and full solution to the Yemeni crisis, showing their shared humanitarian and political concerns. They also expressed support for the effort toward achieving a full, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine, in accordance with international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter. The two nations reiterated the need to respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of states, principles they uphold in their foreign policy.

Regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Oman and France reaffirmed their support for the implementation of the Two-State solution and the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination. This includes the establishment of an independent, sovereign, viable, and democratic State of Palestine living side by side in peace and security with the State of Israel. They stated that the New York Declaration for the implementation of the Two-State solution, endorsed by 142 States in 2025, needs to be implemented. The Full Plan to End the Gaza Conflict and United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803 need to be implemented in their entirety, including the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip and maintenance of the ceasefire. A technical cooperation agreement between the French Directorate General of Civil Aviation and the Omani Civil Aviation Authority is slated for signing, further diversifying the scope of bilateral cooperation. At the conclusion of the official visit, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik extended an invitation to President Macron to visit Oman, signaling a desire for continued high-level engagement and strengthening of bilateral relations.