The rulers of Oman and Brunei agreed to elevate their relationship during Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s state visit. Five agreements cover official-passport visa exemptions and cooperation in farming, fisheries, labour, planning and health. Regular bilateral consultations remain part of the framework for expanding ties established in 1984.
Oman and Brunei established a strategic partnership during Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s visit to Brunei. The rulers signed their declaration on 3 November. Haitham’s trip, at Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah’s invitation, ran from 2 to 4 November and was the first state visit to Brunei by an Omani sultan. The countries have maintained diplomatic relations since 24 March 1984.[1], [2]
Five agreements and memorandums accompanied the partnership. Visa exemptions apply to diplomatic, special, service and official passports. Other instruments cover agriculture and fisheries, labour and human resource development, economic and strategic planning, and health. Oman’s Labour Ministry and Brunei’s Home Affairs Ministry are parties to the labour memorandum; the health arrangement links the two health ministries.[1]
The leaders backed regular bilateral consultations and continued exchanges on international matters. They reviewed cooperation in investment, education, culture and exchanges between their populations. Both reaffirmed support for peaceful means consistent with international law when addressing regional and international questions. Haitham also invited his counterpart to Oman. During the visit, the rulers opened an exhibition on their countries’ relations in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei’s capital.[1]
