On Monday, a state visit by Sultan of Oman, Haitham Bin Tariq al Busaid (Haitham Bin Tariq al Busaid), began in Madrid. This is the first high-level visit of its kind in two years to be hosted by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia. The last event of this scale took place in May 2023, when the President of Colombia visited Spain. This time, the Spanish leadership, including Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, is preparing for a packed agenda of meetings and events aimed at strengthening relations between the two countries.
In recent years, contacts between Madrid and Muscat have notably intensified. The foreign ministers of both countries have met in the Spanish capital, and King Felipe VI has maintained telephone dialogue with the Sultan. Special attention was drawn to the case of Spanish citizen Fatima Ofkir, who in 2018 was sentenced to life in prison in Oman for transporting morphine. In March of this year, the Sultan pardoned her—a significant step toward closer relations and easing tensions between the two nations.
Originally, the visit was scheduled for the summer but was postponed due to family circumstances of the Sultan. Now that schedules have aligned, the Spanish side is preparing for a busy week of diplomacy. By unwritten tradition, the royal couple hosts at least two foreign leaders each year, so more visits are expected soon.
Sultan’s visit agenda: meetings, ceremonies, and new agreements
Although the Sultan’s plane landed in Madrid earlier this week, the official start of the visit is scheduled for a ceremonial welcome at the palace. The royal family will greet the guest with full honors. Afterward, the Sultan will head to the Senate, where leaders of both parliamentary chambers await him. The program also includes a private meeting with the King and Queen at the La Zarzuela residence, followed by a luncheon in their circle.
On Tuesday evening, guests will attend a traditional gala dinner at the palace, where the King will deliver a speech. The final day of the Sultan’s visit will begin with talks with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez at the official government residence. That same day, Spain and Oman are set to sign a memorandum of understanding. Details of the agreement have yet to be disclosed, but it is expected to cover key areas of cooperation.
Economy and diplomacy: Spain and Oman seek new opportunities
The visit will include an economic forum to be held at the historic El Pardo Palace. Here, business leaders from both countries will discuss prospects for joint projects and investments. The meeting is expected to launch new initiatives in energy, trade, and other sectors.
The visit of the Sultan of Oman to Spain highlights the growing interest of both countries in developing a partnership. Diplomatic efforts, high-level personal contacts, and a willingness for dialogue are opening new opportunities to strengthen ties between Madrid and Muscat. In the coming days, it will become clear what specific steps will be taken to realize these ambitions.
