King Charles praises Oman’s “noble efforts” on Strait of Hormuz shipping route

King Charles spoke Arabic as he welcomed the Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tarik Al Said, at a state banquet in Windsor Castle, the BBC reported. Oman is a key Middle Eastern partner of the UK and one of the countries along the Strait of Hormuz.

In his banquet speech, the King praised the country’s “noble efforts in trying to keep open one of the world’s most important shipping routes”. He also praised Oman’s diplomatic mediation in the conflict with Iran to establish “where common ground might be found”. Of his son Prince William’s work on an expedition project with the Sultan’s son, he said: “There can be few happier symbols of success than a living relationship being passed from one generation to the next.”

The Sultan responded that his country “seeks solutions… we believe in dialogue”. He is due at Downing Street on Wednesday for a meeting with Prime Minister Andy Burnham, while his delegation meets UK business representatives.