Wednesday 15 / July / 2026
MUSCAT: French Ambassador to Oman Nabil Hajlaoui has hailed the deepening strategic partnership between France and Oman, describing the recent state visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to France as a landmark that has strengthened cooperation in diplomacy, economic development and emerging technologies.
Speaking at France's National Day celebrations in Muscat on Tuesday evening, the ambassador said His Majesty's visit to Paris, where he was received by French President Emmanuel Macron, reaffirmed the two countries' shared commitment to peace, stability and closer bilateral relations.
The reception, hosted by the Embassy of the French Republic at the Crowne Plaza Muscat in Qurum, was attended by senior Omani officials, members of the diplomatic corps and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Hajlaoui said Oman and France are celebrating a relationship that spans generations, built on a long history of friendship and strengthened over the years through cooperation in culture, education, healthcare, business and diplomacy.
Referring to the discussions held during His Majesty's visit, the ambassador said both leaders focused on efforts to restore peace and stability in the region, adding that France and Oman remain closely aligned in supporting dialogue and diplomatic solutions to regional challenges.
He also reaffirmed France's support for Ukraine, noting that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy joined President Macron and other world leaders at the Bastille Day celebrations in Paris as a symbol of continued international solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
Highlighting the growing economic partnership, Hajlaoui said France and Oman are expanding cooperation beyond traditional infrastructure projects into sectors that support the Sultanate's economic diversification agenda.
He identified waste and water management, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, data science and other advanced technologies as priority areas for future collaboration, adding that several agreements are expected to be signed in these sectors.
The ambassador said France is also working with Oman on innovative energy storage projects and digital government technologies, expressing confidence that these initiatives would create greater value for the Sultanate while opening new opportunities for Omani talent through partnerships with French companies and institutions.
He said the expanding cooperation reflects the two countries' shared commitment to preserving their historic ties while building a future based on innovation, sustainable economic growth and international cooperation.
