Brussels: In a gesture of respect for His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, King Philippe Leopold Louis Marie of the Belgians and his wife, Queen Mathilde Marie Christine Ghislaine, hosted an official dinner at the Royal Castle of Laeken.
Before the dinner commenced, the official delegation accompanying His Majesty the Sultan exchanged greetings with the King and Queen of the Belgians, while members of the Belgian delegation similarly greeted His Majesty.
Following this, the Belgian Royal Anthem and the Omani Royal Anthem were performed.
His Majesty the Sultan then addressed the gathering, stating:
“Your Majesties,
It is a great honor to visit your magnificent country and to be present with you in the splendid city of Brussels. We are filled with pride and gratitude for the constructive and insightful discussions we have had the privilege to engage in with Your Majesty and the Prime Minister today.
These dialogues have truly embodied a spirit of collaboration and mutual understanding, setting the stage for significant progress and shared goals.
The longstanding relationship between our two nations is not only robust but also well-established. This bond has been strengthened and continues to thrive through high-level exchanges, notably highlighted by Your Majesty's distinguished visit to Oman in February 2022. This visit marked a pivotal moment in our relations, featuring the official inauguration of Duqm Port and the ceremonial launch of the Hyport's Green Hydrogen Production Project, heralding a new chapter of cooperation and sustainable development.
It feels as though only a few weeks have elapsed since your last visit. However, when I consider all that has been achieved, I am genuinely pleased with the significant progress made over the past two years.
During this time, our political, cultural, and economic collaboration has not only expanded but has also matured into a strong partnership characterized by mutual understanding and respect.
Belgium has become Oman's second-largest trading partner within the EU, and our bilateral trade continues to grow. Through our collective efforts and dedication to shared objectives, we have established a vibrant relationship that thrives and adapts to the challenges and opportunities we face today.
The most evident testament to our accomplishments is seen in the transformation of the Port of Duqm, which has experienced remarkable development since our partnership with the Port of Antwerp began in 2010. Duqm has truly flourished in terms of innovation, infrastructure, and connectivity.
Looking forward, we are optimistic that our joint commitment to international standards will empower us to tackle global challenges together, ranging from humanitarian crises to climate change and the enforcement of international law.
Therefore, Your Majesties, we must convey our deep gratitude for the friendship Oman shares with Belgium.
Thank you for your warm hospitality and the support you have provided to Oman during this visit and throughout our growing friendship. We look forward to the honor of welcoming Your Majesties back to Muscat soon to continue celebrating the advancements of our partnership.
Thank you, Your Majesties.
The King of the Belgians addressed the audience with the following remarks:
“Your Majesty, the history of your nation is as expansive and profound as the ocean it adjoins. With a coastline exceeding three thousand kilometers and a strategically significant location, Oman serves as a bridge between East and West. For centuries, your citizens have navigated treacherous waters to establish trade connections, even in the most distant regions. This highlights the significance of cultural and commercial interactions with the global community, both historically and presently. The distinctive landscape of seas, mountains, and vast deserts has nurtured a thriving culture characterized by pacifism, hospitality, and a deep respect for tradition.”
He continued, “Your Majesty, our visit in February 2022 and the warm reception you extended to us provided a valuable opportunity to enhance the economic and diplomatic relations between our nations.
In this spirit, I am privileged by your visit to Belgium and eagerly anticipate the growth of our partnership. Let us collaboratively explore additional areas of shared interest, such as innovation, defense, the space industry, health, and academic and cultural exchanges.
I take great pride in witnessing the continuation of the strategic partnership established nearly a decade ago with the Port of Duqm, now thriving between Asyad and the Consortium Antwerp Port. Recently, I had the honor of attending the signing of the agreement between DEME and OQ for the advancement of green hydrogen. These significant initiatives represent the outcomes of a bold and innovative collaboration between Belgium and Oman. The strategic importance of the Port of Duqm, along with its aspirations to become a global energy hub, positions it as a vital junction for trade between Europe and Asia.
Your Majesty, the global challenges we currently face, whether in Europe or the Middle East, compel us to reinforce our relationship more than ever. Our collective security is jeopardized by the tensions and conflicts surrounding us.
In our pursuit of enhancing defense capabilities, both nations are committed to upholding international law, ultimately aiming to foster global stability.
The Sultanate of Oman has consistently served as a beacon of peace and stability, actively working to cultivate consensus.
Your nation stands as a peace architect, engaging quietly to foster tolerance and dialogue in a region marred by ongoing conflicts. You remain receptive to diverse perspectives while steadfastly upholding the principles of justice and harmony that define you.
The model of coexistence and harmony inherent in your society should inspire all, especially in these particularly trying times.
Your exceptional ability in discreet and effective mediation, coupled with your profound understanding of regional dynamics, was instrumental in ensuring the safety of one of our citizens during a critical moment of peril.
Through your diplomatic efforts, not only was his life preserved, but also the lives of other Europeans. We are eternally grateful for your support.
The dinner was graced by members of the official delegation accompanying His Majesty the Sultan, along with several senior officials from the Kingdom of Belgium.
During the dinner, a selection of musical pieces was performed.
