France and Oman on Monday underscored the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, while calling for regional de-escalation, conflict prevention and stronger international efforts to combat terrorism.
The remarks came in a joint statement issued after Sultan Haitham bin Tarik concluded an official visit to France, where he held talks with President Emmanuel Macron.
The two leaders stressed the need to secure maritime routes and ensure the freedom and safety of navigation in line with international law, according to Oman’s state news agency ONA.
They called for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and reaffirmed their commitment to free and unrestricted navigation, including the right of transit passage under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. They also agreed to work with international partners to protect freedom of navigation.
Strait of Hormuz
The statement said both sides would strengthen coordination and joint efforts to support international peace and security, while reaffirming the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea as the legal framework governing maritime spaces, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Sea of Oman.
Macron and Sultan Haitham also emphasized dialogue and diplomacy as the preferred means of resolving regional tensions, praising the role played by both countries in promoting stability and security.
The two leaders welcomed the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran and expressed support for ongoing negotiations aimed at reaching a long-term diplomatic settlement.
On the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, they said lasting regional peace depends on a fair and comprehensive settlement based on internationally agreed parameters. They reaffirmed support for a two-state solution, the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, and the establishment of an independent, sovereign and viable Palestinian state living in peace and security alongside Israel.
They also called for implementing the New York Declaration on the two-state solution, endorsed by 142 countries in 2025, as well as the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict and UN Security Council Resolution 2803. The statement stressed the need for uninterrupted humanitarian aid to Gaza and the preservation of the ceasefire without delay.
The leaders welcomed the outcome of the first Franco-Omani strategic dialogue, held in Paris on April 14, and recent ministerial visits, saying they had advanced cooperation in political, economic, defense and cultural fields.
Franco-Omani Business Forum
Macron and Sultan Haitham also inaugurated the Franco-Omani Business Forum, attended by more than 60 companies from both countries. The forum resulted in agreements covering renewable energy, water and aerospace.
The two sides praised the growth of bilateral economic ties and pledged to expand trade and investment. They reaffirmed their commitment to joint projects, building on the longstanding presence of French companies in Oman.
They also highlighted opportunities for deeper investment under Oman Vision 2040 and France 2030, particularly in renewable energy, hydrogen, maritime infrastructure, logistics, information technology, transport, tourism, culture and the space sector.
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