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The Queen was accompanied by Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, and an official
delegation that included the foreign secretary, William Hague and the British
ambassador to Oman, Dr Noel Guckian.
During her visit, the Queen and Sultan Qaboos discussed a host of regional and
international issues, including ways to boost bilateral relations.
She also signed two agreements, including a decision to do away with the need for visas,
for those holding diplomatic or special passports from either country. Both leaders also
agreed to establish a joint working group.
On Saturday evening, Queen Elizabeth wore a golden-buttoned turquoise military-style
jacket with a matching hat as she watched a Royal Cavalry display that included 29 pure
Arabian horses towing one carriage.
Sultan Qaboos gave the Queen two gifts, including a glittering 21-carat gold engraved
vase and a Faberge-style egg that revealed, when the top was removed, a tiny carousel
of horses that spun around to a musical tune.
The Queen and the Omani leader also viewed a collection of paintings from the Tate,
currently on loan to Oman. These included works by Thomas Gainsborough, George
Stubbs, John Constable, J.M.W Turner, John Everett Millais and John Singer Sargent.
The British monarch last came to Oman in 1979 when she sailed on board the royal yacht
Britannia. (Gulf News)
Common grounds between Oman and Britain have strengthened the relationship
between the two countries, according to British Foreign Secretary, William Hague.
"Both countries (Oman and UK) have looked for the foreign world to build good relations
with their neighbours," he said in an interview to government-owned Oman News
Agency (ONA), on Saturday.
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