Muscat: Relations between Oman and Germany have proven to be strong and enduring since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries 50 years ago.
Speaking on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of formal ties between the two nations, the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Oman, Thomas Friedrich Schneider, said that the two countries are reliable partners, both bilaterally and in international forums.
“In 1972, Germany and Oman established diplomatic relations, shortly after Oman joined the United Nations in 1971,” he said. “On the 50th anniversary of this wonderful occasion, I wish to extend my warm greetings to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and the people of Oman.
“The relationship between Oman and Germany has always been strong and cordial,” he added. “We share a common vision of a rules-based international order, seeking peace and understanding among nations.”
The first German Embassy in Muscat was opened in 1976. German Federal Presidents Richard von Weizsäcker and Christian Wulff visited the Sultanate in 1993 and 2011, as well as Federal Chancellor Gerhard Schröder in 2005. In 2017, staff diplomatic moved to a new and larger embassy in al Khuwair, designed by a team of Omani and German architects – a visible investment in the future of Omani-German relations.
Beyond politics, Oman and Germany have been faithful partners for many years in the field of education. Since 2005, more than 350 Omani students have come to study in Germany, returning with a high school diploma and a perfect command of the German language. Since 2007, the German University of Technology (GUTech) in Halban, in close cooperation with the RWTH University of Aachen in Germany, has become the flagship of bilateral cooperation in higher education.
Schneider added: “In the economic field, we work closely together on renewable energies and hydrogen, together shaping the energy market of tomorrow. The German Office for Industry and Commerce in Oman (AHK) promotes trade and investment. Not only well-known German car manufacturers, but also global players such as Siemens, DBSchenker or DHL, as well as many small and medium-sized companies are well positioned in the Omani market, together with their local partners.
“By the way, did you know that most Omani banknotes are printed in Germany? he added. “And of course, every year a shared love for spectacular nature, fascinating history and rich cultural heritage draws German tourists to Oman and Omani tourists to Germany in large numbers.
“The world has changed over the last 50 years, Germany and Oman too. However, the German-Omani friendship proved strong and long-lasting. May this friendship endure and grow over the next 50 years!
