Sultan Haitham of Oman signs 12 agreements with France, pledges free navigation of Strait of Hormuz

Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman made his first state visit to Paris on 28‑29 June 2026, the first Omani leader in France since 1989. The visit culminated in the signing of twelve accords, memoranda of understanding and declarations of intent at the Élysée Palace. The deals cover energy, water, transport, space, digital start‑ups, education and culture. Notable contracts include a €3 billion EDF pumped‑storage project at Wadi Daysat, a 500 MW solar plant at Al‑Kamil, a €2 billion water‑management agreement for Muscat with Suez, a $400 million logistics partnership with CMA CGM for a new terminal at Sohar, and an €8 million Thales radar contract for Omani civil aviation.

Both leaders issued a joint declaration calling for the free, unconditioned navigation of the Strait of Hormuz and announced plans for joint de‑mining operations, rejecting any Iranian tolls on the passage. The agreements are framed as a strategic partnership to boost Oman's economic diversification under Vision 2040 and to give France a stable foothold in a region of heightened tension.

The visit also featured cultural and educational initiatives, such as the establishment of a Franco‑Omani museum in Muscat and expanded French‑language teaching in Omani schools.