Prime Minister to welcome Sultan of Oman to No 10 as part of state visit to UK

Andy Burnham will welcome the Sultan of Oman to Downing Street on Wednesday, as part of the leader’s three-day state visit to the United Kingdom.

The Prime Minister has hailed “a friendship which generates real benefits” between Britain and Oman, ahead of welcoming Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said to No 10.

Oman is a key Middle East ally of the UK and the state visit comes as America’s war against Iran continues.

The vital Strait of Hormuz shipping route, which effectively remains closed to oil tankers because of a blockade orchestrated by Tehran, is off the coast of Oman.

Ahead of the Downing Street meeting, Mr Burnham said: “I’m delighted to welcome His Majesty The Sultan to the UK – the UK and Oman have built a friendship which generates real benefits for people at home, and I look forward to shaping the next chapter of our relationship.

“Economic growth, security, defence, education: these are just some of the priorities we share as we plot a course through an increasingly complex world.

“Working together, we are leading with our values and creating opportunities for people in both our countries.”

The two leaders are expected to sign a new two-way investment agreement during the meeting, as well as a new maritime security pact aimed at sharing more information.

Britain is also expected to announce that the Chevening educational scholarship programme will return to Oman.

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting and Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband are also expected to meet their Omani counterparts as part of the cross-government meetings.

Mr Miliband said: “The UK-Oman relationship spans almost four centuries and is built on trust and collaboration. His majesty the sultan’s visit to the United Kingdom reinforces this partnership for the future age.

“At what is a critical time for the Middle East, our close collaboration has never been more vital. Oman continues to play a valued diplomatic role in supporting the dialogue necessary to support a pathway to peace and regional stability – essential for the global economy and global security.

“Driving closer working across defence, trade and investment, and education, ensures that our long-standing friendship is a modern partnership that delivers for both the British and Omani people.”

The Sultan was welcomed by the King and Queen to Windsor Castle, as the state visit began on Tuesday.

The state visit is the first by a Sultan of Oman to the UK for 44 years.

Burnham and Sultan of Oman set to sign new investment agreement at Downing Street

Campaigners hit out at ‘cynical’ front-of-shirt sponsors ban as gambling ads soar

Government’s long-awaited decision on Jackdaw gas field to be announced

Amazon to create 30,000 jobs for young people by 2030

Millions of UK households heading into winter in energy debt, new figures show

Care home slammed after dementia patients left at risk of malnourishment