Oman and China sign visa waiver agreement during foreign minister's visit to Muscat

Oman and China signed a visa waiver agreement on Monday, as part of talks on strengthening ties between the two countries.

Chinese and Omani citizens will no longer require visit visas when travelling to each other's countries, according to the Oman Observer.

The joint agreement was announced during Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to Oman on Monday, part of efforts by the two countries to bolster ties including cooperation on Beijing's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative.

"The Sultanate and the People's Republic of China held a political talk session at the Ministry of Foreign, in which they affirmed their support for enhancing investment and tourism exchange between the two friendly countries within the framework of the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative, in order to achieve mutual benefits," a statement issued by Oman News Agency read.

Wang Yi met the sultanate's Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al-Busaidi who announced a memorial to the Chinese navigator Cheng He will be built in the southern city of Salalah to mark the 600th anniversary of his visit to the Oman.

The two officials also discussed science and technology cooperation.

Oman and China have strengthened relations in recent years, with the sultanate set to play a key role in Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative due to its strategic location.

China is looking to bolster relations with other countries in the region including Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

China and Iran agreed a 25-year, $400 billion deal over the weekend in another sign of Beijing's growing influence in the region.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay connected