Observers and political analysts believe that the visit places 3 important files at the top of its priorities, the most important of which is the strengthening of bilateral relations between Cairo and Muscat, the examination of regional crises and the situation in a number of countries in the region, as well as developments in Arab relations with Iran.
According to a press release published by the Diwan of the royal court, the visit of Sultan Haitham is presented as “an extension of the historical relations which bind the sultanate and Egypt, and an affirmation of the will of the leaders of the two countries to strengthen these links. strong with each other.”
The visit is scheduled to discuss “all aspects of cooperation that would advance bilateral relations”, in addition to “consultation and coordination between the two leaders in a manner that contributes to strengthening joint Arab action and discuss various developments on the regional and international scenes”. ”
Late last year, Egypt and Oman celebrated the 50th anniversary of the inauguration of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
“silent diplomacy”
A member of the Egyptian Foreign Council, former deputy foreign minister Rakha Ahmed Hassan, said in his interview with Sky News Arabia that there are a number of issues that will be the focus of attention. during the first visit of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq to Cairo, specifying them in a certain number of points, in particular:
• The first file: bilateral relations are at the forefront, in the hope of increasing trade and investment between the two countries, as well as discussing the affairs of the Egyptian community of the Sultanate which contributes to the development and receives a good treatment.
• The second file: related to Arab and regional issues, in particular the crises in the region, such as the efforts for a political settlement in Syria, and the prevention of escalation in the Palestinian territories, as well as the latest developments in the Libyan file , the Yemeni crisis, and the evolution of its course towards a political solution, since Muscat plays an active role in this dossier.
• The third issue: Arab relations with Iran, given the close relations between Muscat and Tehran, where it conducts a kind of “silent diplomacy”, in particular with the statement by the Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs, who hopes that he there will be a “serious opening” in relations with Egypt.
commercial exchange
In his interview with “Sky News Arabia”, the expert specialized in international relations, Ayman Samir, believes that the activation of trade between the two countries will also be a priority for the visit of the Sultan of Oman to Egypt, because this visit will see the signing of agreements and protocols to support economic cooperation between the two parties.
The value of trade between Egypt and the Sultanate of Oman increased to a record $1.1 billion in 2022 from $650.8 million in 2021, an increase of 64.6%, according to data from the Egyptian Statistics Authority.
Samir said: “There are Egyptian companies investing in the Sultanate of Oman in the field of fish and non-oil sectors, and there is certainly an effort to strengthen cooperation in this file, in addition to other files. , in particular the promotion of direct fishing. aviation between the two countries, and increasing Omani investment in Egypt and exploiting the investment opportunities there.”
He underlined Egypt’s desire to strengthen its relations with Oman, as Sisi made two visits to the Sultanate, the first in 2018 and the second last June, in addition to numerous mutual contacts.
The international relations expert added, “Relations between the two countries are exemplary, constant and deep, and have never been the subject of a dispute.”
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