The bilateral relations between the Sultanate of Oman and Italy are poised for greater growth, according to Pierluigi D’Elia, Ambassador of Italy to the Sultanate of Oman.
Speaking to the Observer on the sidelines of the 77th National Day, the ambassador said that the bilateral relationship dates back fifty-one years and both sides continue to explore newer areas of improvement on a constant basis.
"Our bilateral relations with Oman dates back fifty-one years and our mutual trade is worth more than €740,000m, one of the top volumes among European Union countries. In these first months since my arrival in Oman, I witnessed a growing attention and interest to Italian expertise and opportunities of cooperation in sectors that will be pivotal to implement the Oman Vision 2040, the transformative agenda which is being implemented under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik," D'Elia said.
The bilateral cultural exchange relations are lively, with Oman joining in 2022 for the first time the “biennale di Venezia”, a pivotal contemporary visual art exhibition held in Venice since 1895 and with Italy celebrating its design day in Muscat last March.
"Our Italian artists and performers have often had the privilege to be hosted in the programme of the amazing and prestigious Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM). Moreover, there are nine active Italian Archaeological Missions in Oman contributing to research on the rich history of this beautiful country," he added.
In terms of tourism, Oman is also drawing increasing attention in Italy as a tourist destination. In the first three months of this year 23,000 Italians visited this country and the diplomatic mission has invited more Omanis to visit Italy and all its regions, from Palermo to Milan, even more often.
He said that Italy has always been seen as a bridge between Europe and the wider Mediterranean while Oman is often described to be a crucial hub and a bridge between Asia, the Gulf, Europe and Africa. "Working together will mutually strengthen this vocation in bridging continents and cultures," he said.
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