King Charles praises Oman's efforts to keep Strait of Hormuz open

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 09:20 · Archive

King Charles praised Oman's 'noble efforts' to maintain access through the Strait of Hormuz at a state banquet at Windsor Castle.

King Charles hosted Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said of Oman at a state banquet in St George's Hall at Windsor Castle on Tuesday night, welcoming 160 guests including Queen Camilla, Prince William, Princess Kate and Princess Anne. This was the first state visit by a Sultan of Oman to the UK since 1982.

Addressing the Sultan, Charles praised Oman's 'enduring commitment as a trusted interlocutor to all parties' at a time when conflict had 'returned so painfully to the region'. He said Oman's 'noble efforts in trying to keep open one of the world's most important shipping routes have been of great service to the whole international community, and particularly to the most vulnerable of those affected'. The King characterised Oman as 'one of Britain's oldest allies' and praised its 'constructive neutrality' across the Gulf.

The Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route close to Oman's coast, has been a point of tension during the Middle East conflict. Iran has repeatedly declared the Strait closed during the war, saying it will not reopen until the United States agrees to deals proposed by Tehran.

Sultan Haitham is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Andy Burnham at Downing Street, with discussions expected to focus on the Middle East crisis. This will mark Burnham's first diplomatic engagement linked to a state visit since taking office.

How it is being reported

• King Charles sends clear message on Strait of Hormuz crisis as monarch hails Oman's 'noble efforts'King Charles lauded Oman's "noble efforts" to maintain access through the Strait of Hormuz during a state banquet at Windsor Castle on Tuesday evening, where he hosted Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. Addressing the Sultan in St George's Hall, the King spoke of the conflict engulfing the region. "If I may, Your Majesty, I would especially like to recognise, at a time when conflict has returned so painfully to the region, Oman's enduring commitment as a trusted interlocutor to all parties," he said. He added: "Oman's noble efforts in trying to keep open one of the world's most important shipping…GB News · 21 Oct, 08:58
• King Charles praises Oman's 'noble efforts' on Strait of HormuzOman’s role during the Middle East war is worthy of our ‘utmost respect’, Charles saysThe Independent · 21 Oct, 08:44

In this story: King Charles · Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said · Oman · Strait of Hormuz · Andy Burnham · Iran · United States

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