The recent state visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to Singapore has great significance at political and economic levels, and embodies an elevation of the historical relations with Singapore, which date back to more than 115 years. Such historical relations have been practically reflected in naming the most important street of Singapore’s capital in 1909, after Muscat - the capital of the Sultanate of Oman - out of respect and appreciation for the development in bilateral relations over the past 114 years. This is a clear evidence of the authenticity of the two countries and their historical heritage.
The presence of a street named 'Muscat' in the heart of Singapore carries a considerable significance for the high status and importance of Oman. The street, which is decorated with frescoes that embody many of the cultural features and natural components of Oman, expresses the gratitude of the Singaporean government and people to Oman and its people.
Also the presence of the 'Jewel of Muscat' ship in the Sentosa Island Museum, which sailed from Muscat to the ports of Singapore carrying the flags of amenity and love for the friendly Singaporean people, carries the same considerable significance of the strong relations between the two countries.
This ship was a gift from the late Sultan Qaboos to Singapore after the historic journey it made to explore the Maritime Silk Road, which is a symbol of the authentic trading history. This gift represents a documentation of these historical relations and their steady development in the political and economic fields, as Singapore is the fifth trading partner of Oman.
The value of Omani exports reached RO 576 million, according to data recorded at the end of September last year. The visit has contributed in strengthening the relations between the two friendly countries to enhance cooperation, and push them forward, in line with the national developments aimed at pursuing efforts to build bridges of cooperation and open broader horizons with world countries.
The efforts to elevate the relations between the two countries also come in response to the current regional and international developments that require more understanding as part of efforts to consolidate the foundations of global and regional peace, and in a way that benefits the world’s peoples. These Omani efforts to expand cooperation relations with the world countries are commendable and conform with the humanitarian and international principles and values through joint work to end conflicts so that nations could devote themselves to achieving development and prosperity.
The visit of His Majesty to Singapore was preceded by many positive developments that took place over the past years in bilateral fields since February 1985. There have been successive developments to strengthen these relations and the diplomatic representation was elevated to the level of embassies in December 2022.
The two countries share commonalities represented in mutual respect and faith based on the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of others, and support of just international issues, as they both have taken honourable stand at various international fora in the service of human aspirations on issues of environment, heritage and civilisation, and to promote and extend bridges of amenity between nations.
Moreover, they also seek to consolidate human values in all aspects of life all over the world, out of the belief of the leadership of the two countries that humanity must be proved by actions, and not by mere speeches and promises, as well as exerting necessary efforts to ensure the welfare of nations and attain progress and prosperity.
At the economic level, the Sultanate of Oman and Singapore together have a long history of solid economic cooperation. This was positively reflected in increase in rates of economic transactions to significant levels, as the Sultanate of Oman is Singapore’s seventh trading partner in the Middle East and Africa and ranked 55th in the world as the largest trading partner.
The size of trade exchange between the two countries reached 1.36 billion Singapore dollars. The commercial dealings are focused on export of oil, gas and petrochemical products, while importing spare parts, motor oils and other products, while the number of Singaporean companies registered in Oman stand at 24, with total investments amounting to RO 55.8 million.
At the cultural level, Omani-Singaporean relations have a large wealth of cultural heritage and there is historical evidence that confirms such deep-rooted relations between the two nations.
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