Oman-Netherlands business ties strengthened at King's Day celebration

MUSCAT, MAY 5

The Koningsdag (King's Day) of the Netherlands celebration held on Tuesday, April 30, saw Stella Kloth, the Ambassador for the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Oman, deliver a speech underscoring the deepening business relations between the two nations. Set against the backdrop of Oman Sustainability Week, the event served as a testament to the shared commitment of Oman and the Netherlands towards accelerating the green energy transition and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

In her address, Ambassador Kloth reflected on the enduring historical ties between Oman and the Netherlands, tracing their origins back to the arrival of Dutch vessels in the port of Muttrah four centuries ago. These historical connections have blossomed into a modern partnership centered around sustainability, with a specific focus on collaborative efforts in advancing green energy initiatives.

Looking back on the past year, Ambassador Kloth expressed gratitude for the milestones that have strengthened cooperation between the two nations. She stated, "Cherishing the memories and milestones that have strengthened our cooperation." Notable highlights included the visit of the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs to Oman and the active participation of Dutch companies in key sustainability-focused events such as the Green Hydrogen Summit and the Oman Sustainability Week. These interactions have showcased the increasing engagement and interest of the Dutch business community in Oman.

The winners of a sustainability challenge for women in Oman, the Nawa Group, will showcase their innovative designs in the Netherlands during the Dutch Design Week.

Furthermore, Ambassador Kloth highlighted the fruitful exchanges between Dutch and Omani organizations, particularly in the realms of education and research. Prestigious institutions such as Utrecht University, Wageningen University, and Delft University have been at the forefront of collaboration, engaging in joint programmes with Omani counterparts to drive sustainable initiatives forward. Similarly, the Oman Royal Academy of Management's visit to the Netherlands and collaboration with the Association of Netherlands Municipalities underscored the broad spectrum of partnership opportunities between the two nations.

"A week like this demonstrates the paramount importance of Sustainable Development Goal 17, emphasising collaboration and partnership as integral components of our journey towards a sustainable future," remarked Ambassador Kloth. This sentiment resonated throughout her speech, underscoring the pivotal role of dialogue and cooperation in fostering peace and security, especially in the face of regional challenges.

The Ambassador also extended appreciation to Oman for hosting events like Oman Sustainability Week, which provide a platform for representatives from both countries to engage in constructive dialogues on critical sustainability issues. The active participation of 14 Dutch companies in these events further highlighted the commitment of the Dutch business community to promoting sustainable practices within Oman.

Closing her remarks, Ambassador Kloth thanked the Dutch community in Oman for their unwavering dedication in fostering strong ties between the two nations, alongside key partners including Sohar Port and Freezone, Shanfari Group, Damen, Van Oord, and others for their contributions to the event's success. Additionally, she recognized the winners of a sustainability challenge for women in Oman, the Nawa Group, who will showcase their innovative designs in the Netherlands during the Dutch Design Week.

Ambassador Kloth's address at the King's Day Celebration exemplified the evolving business relationships between Oman and the Netherlands, highlighting a mutual commitment to sustainability and green energy initiatives that will define the future trajectory of cooperation between the two nations.