King Philippe and Queen Mathilde welcome Sultan of Oman for two-day state visit
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde are welcoming Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said of Oman to Belgium for a state visit on 3 and 4 December. The meeting marks a step in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
The visit, spanning two days, comprises three key components: protocol and diplomatic engagements, discussions on port and energy cooperation, and exchanges on cultural, defence, biopharmaceutical and space partnerships between Belgium and Oman.
© BELGA VIDEO MAARTEN WEYNANTS
After a reception at Place des Palais in Brussels on Tuesday, a working lunch centred on the deepening of ties between the two nations. In the evening, the Sultan was due to visit Brussels City Hall and meet the city’s mayor before a state banquet at the Castle of Laeken.
For the Belgian palace, the visit underscores the “excellent relations” between the two nations, attributed in part to the close personal bond between the King and the Sultan. "The intention is that this visit will further strengthen the diplomatic and economic ties that exist between the two countries," a palace spokesperson said.
The Sultan is accompanied by key members of his government, including his brother, Oman’s deputy prime minister and minister of defence, as well as the minister of foreign affairs. However, his wife did not accompany him, as it is not customary for Omani first ladies to participate in state visits.
Wednesday's agenda will focus on economic cooperation, particularly in green hydrogen. This sustainable energy source is pivotal for Belgium's goals to decarbonise industry and position itself as a European hub for green energy imports. King Philippe and Queen Mathilde visited Oman in 2022 to advance partnerships in this field.
A visit to the Port House in Antwerp is also scheduled and will see discussions on existing collaborations and future opportunities between the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and Oman’s Port of Duqm.
Oman is seen as an ideal partner for green hydrogen production due to its climate, which ensures continuous solar and wind energy. The country, traditionally reliant on oil and gas, is now investing in renewable energy, with green hydrogen representing a key aspect of its economic diversification efforts.
Belgium, in turn, seeks to replace grey hydrogen, produced from natural gas, with green hydrogen to lower industrial CO2 emissions. Its ports aim to become gateways for green hydrogen distribution across Europe.
Broader cooperation
The visit also addresses defence and space collaboration, including securing vital shipping routes in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, which are frequently targeted by Houthi rebels, and exploring joint initiatives in space technology.
This is the first state visit to Belgium by an Omani ruler. The country often acts as a neutral party between regional powers, including Iran and Saudi Arabia. Belgium previously benefitted from Oman’s diplomatic role in 2023, when the Sultanate mediated to secure the release of Belgian aid worker Olivier Vandecasteele after more thna a year of imprisonment in Iran.
Queen Mathilde, Haitham bin Tariq Al Said and King Philippe at the welcome ceremony at the Royal Palace in Brussels © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK
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