Aoun welcomed by Oman sultan upon his arrival in Muscat

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun arrived in the Sultanate of Oman on Tuesday afternoon for a two-day official visit at the invitation of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq.

The president was greeted at the airport in Muscat by the sultan and a delegation of Omani officials and, in his first address, praised the sultanate's "wise approach" to regional politics.

"This visit testifies to the depth of the historical and fraternal relations that unite Lebanon and the Sultanate of Oman, relations rooted in bonds of brotherhood, a shared history, and mutual interests," Aoun said shortly after his arrival, according to the state-run National News Agency (NNA).

"During this visit, we hope to explore ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in various fields, including economic, trade, investment, cultural and educational matters ... We are also seeking to open new avenues for partnership, in line with the rapid evolution of the region and the world,” the president added.

“I would also like to commend the wise and responsible role played by the Sultanate of Oman at the regional and international levels. Oman’s policy, based on dialogue, mediation, balance and good neighborliness, has earned it a leading position and a central role in promoting stability and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. In Lebanon, we attach great importance to this wise approach and appreciate the support provided by the Sultanate to Lebanon,” Aoun emphasized.

Muscat positions itself as a neutral actor in the region and often serves as an intermediary in negotiations and mediation among Middle Eastern countries.

The Sultanate of Oman did not impose a travel ban to Lebanon or a trade embargo in 2021, during the diplomatic tensions with Gulf countries due to Hezbollah's influence on the Lebanese political scene.

Lebanon aspires to be 'bridge of communication and dialogue'

“Lebanon, by virtue of its unique geographical location, its cultural diversity and its rich heritage, aspires to be a bridge for communication and dialogue, and an active partner in building a region characterized by security, stability and prosperity,” he continued.

Aoun is accompanied by a delegation composed of several ministers, including Foreign Minister Joe Rajji, Defense Minister Michel Menassa, Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar, Agriculture Minister Nizar Hani and Health Minister Rakan Nassereddine.

Muscat 'supports Lebanon’s sovereignty'

The ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to Lebanon, Ahmad bin Mohammed al-Saidi, indicated in an article published Sunday by the official Omani News Agency (ONA) that cooperation agreements could be signed in the coming months, and that Muscat “firmly supports Lebanon’s sovereignty and national unity” and will continue to “support diplomatic and political efforts aimed at establishing beneficial political and economic stability” in Lebanon.

Trade volume between Oman and Lebanon grew 29.4 percent in the first half of 2025, reaching around $22.2 million, up from $17.1 million in the same period in 2024, according to the National Center for Statistics and Information of Oman, cited by ONA. Statistics show that Omani exports to Lebanon saw a notable increase of 30.7% during the first half of this year. The number of Lebanese companies registered in Oman reached more than 1,035 as of September 2025.

Before he departed for Muscat, Aoun received the Director General of General Security, General Hassan Choucair, at the Baabda Presidential Palace.