HM's speech: 'The ship of our friendship continues to sail on, whatever storms may come'

Windsor: In honour of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, His Majesty King Charles III of the United Kingdom, hosted a state banquet at Windsor Castle this evening, attended by Her Majesty Queen Camilla, on the occasion of His Majesty's state visit to the United Kingdom.

His Majesty the Sultan then delivered an address on this occasion, in which he said:

“Your Majesty King Charles,

Your Majesty the Queen,

Your Royal Highnesses,

Excellencies, distinguished guests,

Allow me, first of all, to express my sincere appreciation for your gracious words and for the exceptionally warm welcome and generous hospitality extended to me and my delegation. Such gestures reflect not only your personal kindness but also the genuine spirit of friendship and generosity that we value so deeply. It is a great pleasure to be here at Windsor Castle, a place that reflects the rich history and enduring traditions of the United Kingdom.

Though separated by a great distance, Oman and Britain were brought closer centuries ago by the voyages of Omani seafarers and British ships, whose encounters across the seas helped weave the enduring bond of friendship between our two nations. Today, the ship of our friendship continues to sail on, whatever storms may come.

This longstanding relationship found formal expression in 1800, when Oman and Great Britain signed a treaty declaring that “the friendship of the two states may remain unshook till the end of time, and till the sun and the moon have finished their revolving career.” More than two hundred and twenty years have passed. The sun and the moon still revolve. And that friendship still stands, unshaken.

Although our circumstances and responsibilities may sometimes differ, mutual respect has remained the defining feature of our relationship. This distinguished feature is reflected in the joint work being carried out by both countries.

Nowhere is this partnership stronger than in the military sphere. Omani and British forces have served side by side for generations: training together, standing guard together, and learning from one another. Our officers have studied in Britain's finest military academies, and British officers have served in Oman. This exchange of knowledge and experience has built a bond of readiness and trust that no treaty alone could create. It is a living relationship, tested, proven, and enduring.

The same spirit lives in the classrooms and campuses. Every year, young Omanis join Britain’s finest educational institutions to pursue studies across a wide range of disciplines. They learn from your scholars, they walk your historic streets, and they come to know the British people, not as a distant ally, but as a friend. They are building our nation, and they are building a bridge between the people of both countries that grows stronger with every generation.

I have personally had the benefit of this, and I remain grateful. As a young man, I became familiar with that punctual national habit well known as English time.

At the same time, The British Council, the growing number of English-language schools, and the prospect of establishing more British educational institutions in Oman will further strengthen these ties. Such cultural exchange is enriched also by British tourists who come to discover Oman's charm, its rich history and its vibrant culture. I am confident that future generations can experience this relationship as a living connection between our peoples.

That brings me to the welcome news that His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales has graciously agreed to join His Highness Sayyid Theyazin to serve as Patrons of the British Omani Society.

Beyond military and education cooperation, trade remains an important bridge between our two nations. Britain has long been among Oman's largest trading partners and indeed the single largest contributor to foreign direct investment.

Your Majesty, in a region that has known too much conflict, Oman has chosen a different path, an independent path; we take positions for dialogue, for understanding and for peace. A wise nation chooses to listen. Oman has chosen to listen. And in that listening, we have found a strength that armies cannot provide. We seek solutions. We believe in diplomacy, in dialogue, and in the patient work of bringing nations together. This is our heritage. Britain has been a friend on this path, and has stood beside us in this duty, not with armies, but with wisdom.

Your Majesty, Your commitment to young people, environmental protection, and interfaith dialogue reflects a profound sense of responsibility towards society and future generations. These are the values we in Oman have long held dear, and principles that continue to guide our approach to leadership and our engagement with the world.

Let me conclude with a prayer: may God bless Your Majesty with health and long life, and preserve the friendship between our two nations, a friendship that, like the shining sun and glowing moon, shall never finish its revolving career.

To the health and long life of His Majesty the King.”