Sultan Haitham’s Windsor visit comes as Oman pursues diplomacy with Iran and efforts to restore shipping through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, reports Asian Lite News Desk
King Charles III and Queen Camilla will host Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq at Windsor Castle for a state visit from October 20 to 22, Buckingham Palace has announced.
The three-day visit will come against a backdrop of heightened tensions in the Middle East, with Oman playing a key diplomatic role in efforts to ease the conflict and restore commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
The visit is expected to highlight the longstanding relationship between Britain and Oman, as well as regional security and efforts to protect vital maritime trade routes.
Oman has emerged as an important intermediary in the conflict, maintaining dialogue with Iran while seeking to facilitate a return to safe commercial navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy shipments.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has previously praised Sultan Haitham for Oman’s efforts to bring peace to the region and stressed the importance of restoring freedom of navigation through the strait. Britain has also been working with France on preparations for a multinational military mission following a ceasefire.
Sultan Haitham was invited to make the state visit during his July meeting with the British prime minister. Oman said at the time that the invitation reflected the historic relationship between the two countries and their commitment to strengthening cooperation.
The October visit will be the third state visit hosted by the British royals this year, following visits by US President Donald Trump in April and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu in March.
