Over the past four decades, Oman has utilized its consistent and resilient diplomacy to resolve numerous disputes in the Gulf region and beyond, preventing wars and containing inter-Arab disputes that might have escalated into broader conflicts.
Oman’s foreign policy is not merely a result of the past fifty years. It is the out come of centuries of cultural, civilizational, and ideological exchanges shaped by Oman’s unique geography and the dynamic interplay between geography and history. This policy reflects deep understanding of the bond between Georaphy and history. As Ibn Khaldun famously said, “Geography is what makes history”, and in Oman’s case, its history has been uniqualy shaped by through a profound interaction with geographical setting.
Oman has always had a keen understanding of the geographical region in which it is situated, enabling it to create its history in a remarkable manner. This understanding has also facilitated political and diplomatic successes, many ofwhich are exceptional given the complexities involved. These achievements are rooted in Oman’s long-standing status as the oldest political entity in the region, one that has experienced and contributed to the significant transformations in the Arabian Peninsula and the surrounding areas, not just in the last two centuries butfor over five millennia. While other states were still fragmented among warring tribes, Oman had already formed a state grounded in enduring political and cultural principles. This political legacy and deep understanding of the region’s cultures, ambitions, ideologies, and systems of governance have beenkey factors in the successes of Omani diplomacy and the formation of its foreign policy foundations.
Oman has never viewed its geography as a challenge but rather as an advantageto be leveraged. The Sultans of Oman have often said, “We do not choose our geography, nor do we choose our neighbors.” This philosophy has guided Oman to reconcile with its neighbors and integrate, building its policies and strategies based on the realities imposed by geography.
Geography plays a decisive role in shaping Oman’s foreign policy. The country isstrategically located at the crossroads of vital sea routes, most notably the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supplies pass.Oman also overlooks the Indian Ocean, with its connections to the vast Asian bloc, rich in cultures, aspirations, and history. To the north lies Iran, with its ancient Persian civilization and contemporary challenges; to the west, Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf states; and to the south, Yemen.
Throughout history, Oman has maintained strong connections with these geographical entities, positively influencing not only Oman but the broader region. Cities like Muscat, Sohar, Sur, Salalah, and Khasab have been vital commercial hubs, fostering cultural connections with distant lands such as India, East Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, Egypt, Iraq, and China. This has led Oman to prioritize regional stability and build close security cooperation with neighboring countries to ensure the safety of maritime navigation.
Oman’s deep understanding of the role of geography in shaping its political foundations has enabled it to play a crucial role in resolving regional conflicts. This has positioned Oman as a regional actor capable of understanding thecomplexities of the region and playing a pivotal role in moments where diplomacyis a matter of life and death, as seen in the Iranian nuclear negotiations. This role has become even more critical as the world revisits the Iranian nuclear issue inlight of recent escalations in Gaza and Oman’s ongoing efforts to mediate peace in Yemen.
With a deep awarness of cultural, political, economic, and ideological influencesshaped by its geography, Oman has crafted a foreign policy marked by balance, openness, and cooperation. Importantly, Oman’s political political geography has never limited its commitment and dedication to Arab and just international causes, enabling it to address regional and humanitarian issues with flexibility and pragmatism.
Written by Asem Al-Shaidi
He is an Omani writer, journalist, and editor-in-chief of the Oman Daily newspaper.
A word from H.E. the Ambassador of Oman on the Occasion of Oman 54th. National Day
On the occasion of my country’s 54th National Day, I reflect with joy and pride on the significant progress it has achieved in recent years. It brings me great pleasure to emphasize the robust and evolving relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of the Netherlands which have continued to grow and flourished across various domains.
One notable example is the personal connections between the leaders of our two Nations His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and His Majesty King Willem-Alexander, which serve as foundation and a vital force in strengthening our bilateral ties.
Additionally, I would like to mention the annual Political Consultation Committee which provides valuable forum for reviewing the achievements in our collaborations and planning the future of our relationship
The official visits exchanged by our two countries this year, conducted at the highest levels, along with the collaborative alignment of private sector leading figures from both capitals, have furthered opportunities for mutual investment and commercial partnership. I would like also to commend the upcoming Dutch Tourism Association, ANVR, Conference, scheduled to be held in Oman this year, where over 220 companies from the tourism sector will participate. This event is certain to enhance tourism relations and foster deeper engagement between our two nations. In cultural realm, I am pleased to see the popularity of the Television program Wie is de Mol?, a favourite among a wide audience in the Netherlands, which I believe will deepen people-to-people connections between our two countries. Similarly, the Omani Village in Nijmegen stands as a genuine model of cultural exchange and coopetition.
In closing, I extend my heartfelt wishes for sustained progress and prosperity for our two nations. and the friendship between our two peoples.
Ambassador Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Salim bin Hamad Al Harthi
Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the Kingdom of the Netherlands