Omar Al Kathiri
Ambassador of Oman to Spain
Alberto Rubio
Omar Al Kathiri assures that he has always felt ˝fascination for the Spanish culture and language˝ and for this reason ˝I do not feel like a foreigner in Madrid˝, where he was already studying in 2006. The Ambassador of Oman states that ˝we have deep historical relations, based on the close friendship between the two royal houses, which strengthened the advancement of relations in many fields˝.
We should start this interview by talking about bilateral issues, but the situation in Palestine is of great concern. Oman has always maintained ‘constructive neutrality’. However, following the Israeli attacks on Gaza, its foreign minister has been much tougher. Does this mean that Oman is abandoning its traditional moderate approach?
The Sultanate of Oman cannot be neutral in the face of the Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip and has condemned in the strongest terms this crime committed against the Palestinian people.
The Sultanate of Oman has never called Hamas a terrorist organization, but considers it a resistance organization expressing the rights and legitimate claims of the Palestinian people living under Israeli occupation, whose rights have been trampled upon in Gaza.
The Sultanate of Oman calls for an immediate ceasefire and to ensure the urgent entry of humanitarian aid. The international community should consider resolving the Palestinian issue and the right of the Palestinian people to establish their independent state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international resolutions.
After so many years in which little progress has been made towards achieving a lasting peace, is the two-state solution still the only one possible?
The Sultanate of Oman has always affirmed that the two-state solution, in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant UN resolutions, is the best way to achieve peace and enable the Palestinian people to regain all their legitimate rights by establishing their independent state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
What is the political solution, if any other, that your foreign minister alluded to? Can there be any other political solution?
The Sultanate of Oman hopes that once the attacks on the Palestinian people in Gaza are stopped, international efforts will be intensified to find a just and comprehensive solution for the Palestinians so that such incidents do not recur.
Oman has not entered into negotiations to sign the Abraham agreements. I imagine that at the moment they are not considering it either. From your point of view, can this conflict break the possibility of more Arab countries joining them?
At the moment we must concentrate on the Palestinian question. Although regional peace is a noble goal, it alone is not enough to guarantee a decent life that meets the aspirations of the Palestinian people who have been suffering from Israel’s occupation for more than 75 years. This conflict will have repercussions for any agreement that does not take into account a comprehensive solution for the Palestinian people.
The EU maintains political support for Israel while continuing to provide humanitarian aid to the Palestinian side. How does this apparent ambiguity look from the Arab world?
The Sultanate of Oman and the Arab and Islamic world expressed their disapproval of the double standard policy of some friendly countries regarding the flagrant violations committed by the Israeli army. We are offended by these responses that ignore the injustice suffered by the Palestinian people. Israel must be called to account for its violation of international law.
What do you think of Spain’s offer to host a possible peace conference?
Oman values all the constructive steps taken by Spain throughout its history on the Palestinian issue and peace in the Middle East. Moreover, Oman considers positive the initiative to hold such a peace conference, whose key objective should be the recognition of the Palestinian State, as stated by the President of the Government.
Do you think that, as some analysts say, this escalation could lead to a generalized conflict throughout the Middle East?
I think that is going too far. The Sultanate of Oman believes that peace and brotherhood among peoples should prevail. The fabric of relations between countries is based on common benefits that lead to enhanced opportunities for fraternal coexistence. Obviously no one wants the expansion of this type of conflict.
Will there be consequences for oil prices?
Economists always say there will be consequences. And it is possible, there are always consequences, both in peace and in war, but market dynamics adapt according to the circumstances.
Let’s talk about bilateral relations. Trade between Spain and Oman is still at ‘modest’ figures, but investments have experienced a remarkable boost in recent years. Will this trend continue in the future?
Our trade relations have grown a lot in recent years. We have an exemplary model of cooperation between the Oman Investment Authority and COFIDES since 2014, when they signed an agreement that I believe is the only one Spain has with a Gulf country. Under that agreement, a €200 million investment fund was set up to make investments in Spain.
In addition, a second fund has recently been set up that will start investing in some complementary sectors. It is a fund endowed with 300 million euros, in which both parties have a 50% stake, and is earmarked for investments in Oman.
As for trade exchanges, they already amount to 700 million euros, mostly in the oil sector. However, there is still plenty of room for Spanish companies in Oman. ICEX has had a permanent office in Muscat for ten years and it is very active. It is working very well.
What sectors of the Omani economy need investment from Spain?
Spain has advanced a lot in several sectors: advanced technology, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, tourism, food safety and renewable energies, so we see many synergies and opportunities that can be beneficial to increase our bilateral trade. In addition, Oman has offered many lectures on its potential in green hydrogen. There are already companies that have shown interest in taking advantage of those opportunities.
You just mentioned tourism. Oman has a lot of potential in that sector. Is there a specific tourism promotion plan for Spain?
As the tourism sector is a key part of the country’s economic diversification plans within the framework of the Oman 2040 vision, the government has taken several decisions that will help generate the necessary investments for the sector.
On the other hand, at the investment level, Barceló is present in the Omani market operating as the first Spanish company in the sector. In terms of marketing, the Embassy is working with various interlocutors and experts in the sector to promote Oman.
Are there any visits or bilateral contacts planned in the coming months?
Throughout the year we have had a very dynamic agenda of contacts between authorities, especially in the sectors of investment, defense, food, transport, tourism and foreign relations. We maintain a very close relationship and the forecast is to increase the number of meetings in the coming months.
Sultan Haitham has stated that for a nation to progress, it must advance an equal opportunity society. What plans does Oman have to advance women’s rights under Vision 2040?
Oman’s Vision 2040 addresses the importance of supporting women’s programs aimed at economic and social empowerment and linking them to the Sustainable Development Goals. Throughout its modern history, the Sultanate has upheld this principle, where Omani women play a pivotal role in all aspects of life, enjoying the equal rights granted to them by the nation’s basic status, based on the principles of Islamic culture.
It is worth noting that every year, Oman honors women on October 17, Omani Women’s Day, recognizing their contributions, since the Sultan Qaboos-driven Renaissance.
