City of London Mayor Highlights Strategic UK-Oman Alliance in Historic State Banquet Address

Updated October 22, 2026 09:15

LONDON: The strategic partnership between the United Kingdom and the Sultanate of Oman remains crucial for maintaining global trade security and ensuring freedom of navigation across international waters, according to Dame Susan Langley, the Lord Mayor of the City of London.

Speaking at a prestigious banquet held in the historic Guildhall and attended by over 600 distinguished guests including Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, Dame Langley emphasized the enduring nature of UK-Omani relations. She described the bilateral relationship as one “separated by distance, but united by history and by a friendship that has endured for centuries.”

“We are both outward-looking nations, shaped by our coastal heritage and the opportunities it brings,” the Lord Mayor stated. “We understand that freedom of the seas, security of trade routes, and global stability form the foundation upon which prosperity and lasting peace are built.”

• Dame Susan Langley addressed a banquet for Sultan Haitham bin Tariq attended by more than 600 guests
• She hailed bilateral ties and friendship ‘that has endured for centuries’

The remarks followed King Charles III’s welcoming of the Omani leader during his three-day state visit, where the monarch praised Oman’s “noble efforts” as a regional peacemaker in the Middle East. Oman has historically played a significant role in diplomatic negotiations aimed at resolving conflicts in the region.

The Sultanate’s strategic position along the Strait of Hormuz makes it critically important for global maritime commerce, with freedom of navigation and secure shipping lanes essential to both British interests and worldwide economic stability, according to a statement from the City of London Corporation.

The evening’s distinguished attendees included prominent business and political leaders from both nations, alongside Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Glorcester.

Dame Langley commended the robust diplomatic and security cooperation between the UK and Oman, noting their joint efforts in addressing contemporary challenges and emerging threats to regional stability.

“The greatest tribute we can pay to those who established our friendship is not merely to preserve what they created, but to strengthen it for future generations,” she remarked.

“Nations, like cities, never thrive by remaining static. They flourish through adaptation, innovation, and the courage to look ahead,” she added, referencing this year’s landmark UK-GCC free trade agreement that she said is “opening doors to new markets, partnerships, and opportunities.”

Emphasizing the importance of collaboration during uncertain times, Dame Langley concluded: “When uncertainty grows, we must deepen trust rather than surrender to fear. When the future appears less predictable, we must face it together, not in isolation.”

“Tonight, within the walls of this ancient hall, we celebrate not only what has been accomplished, but what lies ahead. The strongest friendships endure through adversity and step forward ready to meet tomorrow’s challenges hand-in-hand.”

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