The Sultan of Oman has concluded a two-day state visit to Belgium where the countries discussed the strengthening of economic and diplomatic ties.
The trip, which is Sultan Haitham's first official visit to the European nation, was aimed at improving bilateral co-operation in key sectors, including security, energy and infrastructure.
On Tuesday, the Sultan was welcomed by King Philippe and Queen Mathilde at a reception at Place des Palais in Brussels, followed by a working lunch. In the evening, Sultan Haitham visited Brussels City Hall and met the city’s mayor before a state banquet at the Palace of Laeken.
On Wednesday, discussions turned to economic co-operation, particularly on green hydrogen imports. The parties visited the Havenhuis (port house) in Antwerp and discussed future opportunities between the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and Oman’s Port of Duqm.
Belgium wants to make its Antwerp port a key hub for green hydrogen and other clean energy exports to the rest of Europe.
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde visited Oman in 2022 as part of Brussels' decarbonisation ambitions as it turns towards green hydrogen.
Oman is seen as an ideal partner for green hydrogen production due to its climate, which virtually ensures continuous solar and wind energy. The country, traditionally reliant on oil and gas, is now investing in renewable power.
During the visit, both countries discussed the furthering of collaboration in the defence and space sectors. Also discussed were security issues of shipping routes in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea – which are frequently the targets of Houthi rebels – and exploring joint projects in space technology.
The Sultan was accompanied by key members of his government, including his brother Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq bin Taimur, who is Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Minister of Foreign Affairs.
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It Was Just an Accident
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Khalifa Mubarak (24) An accomplished centre-back, the Al Nasr defender’s progress has been hampered in the past by injury. With not many options in central defence, he would bolster what can be a problem area.
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Mohammed Jamal (23) Enjoyed a stellar 2016/17 Arabian Gulf League campaign, proving integral to Al Jazira as the capital club sealed the championship for only a second time. A tenacious and disciplined central midfielder.
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More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
MATCH INFO
Serie A
Juventus v Fiorentina, Saturday, 8pm (UAE)
Match is on BeIN Sports
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What is the FNC?
The Federal National Council is one of five federal authorities established by the UAE constitution. It held its first session on December 2, 1972, a year to the day after Federation.
It has 40 members, eight of whom are women. The members represent the UAE population through each of the emirates. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have eight members each, Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah six, and Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain have four.
They bring Emirati issues to the council for debate and put those concerns to ministers summoned for questioning.
The FNC’s main functions include passing, amending or rejecting federal draft laws, discussing international treaties and agreements, and offering recommendations on general subjects raised during sessions.
Federal draft laws must first pass through the FNC for recommendations when members can amend the laws to suit the needs of citizens. The draft laws are then forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration and approval.
Since 2006, half of the members have been elected by UAE citizens to serve four-year terms and the other half are appointed by the Ruler’s Courts of the seven emirates.
In the 2015 elections, 78 of the 252 candidates were women. Women also represented 48 per cent of all voters and 67 per cent of the voters were under the age of 40.
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
