LOC10:12
07:12 GMT
MADRID, Nov 4 (KUNA) -- The Sultan of Oman, Hitham bin Tareq, began on Tuesday his first official visit to Spain with the aim of strengthening bilateral ties.
The Sultan, who arrived late Monday, came to Spain at invitation from King Felipe VI.
The visit will focus on boosting ties on all possible areas, including the economic, commercial, and investment cooperation with the two sides planning to sign a variety of agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).
The Spanish King is expected to hold an official reception for the visiting Omani leader later in the Royal Palace in Madrid.
The two countries began their diplomatic relations in 1972.
Spain opened its embassy in Muscat in 2004, while Oman opened its embassy in Madrid in 2007.
The two countries have important economic partnership, including the Spain-Oman Private Equity Fund (SOPEF), which was established in 2018. The SOPEF is valued at EUR 297.5 million (around USD 345.9 million).
The Spanish government is expected to award the Omani Sultan the "the Order of Isabella the Catholic" in recognition of his stature and contributions. (end)
hnd.gta