Muscat and Beirut are drawing closer. In the run-up to Lebanese President General Joseph Aoun’s official visit to Oman, both countries have signalled a clear intention to upgrade their long-standing relationship into a broader strategic and economic partnership.
In comments carried by the official Oman News Agency and the Times of Oman, Omani officials described ties with Lebanon as strong and robust since the opening of Oman’s first embassy in Beirut in 1972, rooted in shared Arab identity and historical exchange.
A Visit With Symbolic And Practical Weight
President Aoun’s visit, and his meeting with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, is framed as a chance to affirm political support and unlock new cooperation tracks. Diplomats say the two leaders will discuss political coordination, economic integration and ways to support Lebanon’s stability amid ongoing financial and institutional crises.
Oman’s ambassador to Lebanon, Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Saidi, highlighted that both sides see value in deepening ties with Arab partners as part of Oman Vision 2040 and Lebanon’s own stated goal of strengthening strategic regional relations.
Trade Ties On The Rise
The diplomatic warm-up is backed by hard numbers. According to Omani statistics, trade between the two countries grew nearly 30% in the first half of 2025, reaching about OMR 8.5 million (roughly $22.2 million), up from OMR 6.6 million in the same period of 2024. Omani exports to Lebanon rose more than 30%, while Lebanese exports to Oman also posted strong growth.
More than 1,000 Lebanese companies are now registered in Oman, with invested capital approaching OMR 191.5 million and Lebanese partners holding the majority stake. Their activities span trade, construction, manufacturing, transport and food services, reflecting Lebanon’s traditional strength in services and commerce.
Forums, Flights And Private-Sector Bridges
Recent months have seen a flurry of activity designed to push the relationship beyond diplomacy. The Omani-Lebanese Economic Forum in Muscat brought together more than 100 companies from both sides to discuss opportunities in industry, tourism, logistics and food, alongside bilateral meetings between business leaders.
Chambers of commerce in both countries have also pledged to expand contact between private-sector players, including trade delegations, joint committees and information-sharing on investment opportunities. The resumption of SalamAir flights to Beirut is expected to support both tourism and business travel, making it easier to turn memoranda of understanding into actual projects.
Political Support And Stability
On the political side, Omani officials reiterated their support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, stressing a rejection of any violations of Lebanese territory and a commitment to backing diplomatic efforts that can restore political and economic stability. That stance aligns with Oman’s broader regional role as a quiet mediator and bridge-builder.
For Lebanon, which has seen repeated crises drive capital and talent abroad, closer ties with a stable Gulf partner like Oman offer both symbolic reassurance and practical potential: new markets for exports, new partners for investment, and another regional ally advocating for its stability on the international stage.
Reference: Times of Oman – “Oman, Lebanon keen to build strategic relations” (ONA), plus related coverage of the Omani-Lebanese Economic Forum and bilateral trade statistics.
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