Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman Marks National Day in Nairobi, Celebrates Deepening Kenya–Oman Relations
The Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in Kenya today hosted a vibrant celebration of Oman’s National Day in Nairobi. The event brought together diplomats, senior government officials and invited guests, including Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Investment Promotion, Mr. Abubakar Hassan Abubakar, who joined Ambassador Nasra Salim Mohamed Al-Hashmi in commemorating the occasion. The ceremony highlighted Oman’s national achievements, diplomatic priorities and the strengthening bilateral ties between Kenya and Oman.
In her remarks, Ambassador Nasra Al-Hashmi described the National Day as a significant moment for Oman, honoring the nation’s progress since its modern renaissance began in 1970 under the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. She praised the continued leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, noting his commitment to blending modernity with tradition to secure long-term stability and prosperity. “The visionary leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik continues to steer Oman toward sustained economic transformation and balanced development,” she stated. She emphasized Oman’s steadfast adherence to diplomacy, peaceful coexistence and respect for international law principles that have earned the nation recognition as a mediator and advocate for global peace.
A key focus of Ambassador Al-Hashmi’s speech was Oman’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause. She reiterated Oman’s position that lasting peace in the Middle East can only be achieved through the two-state solution. “We reaffirm our support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people to establish an independent state within the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital,” she said, calling for greater international action to restore peace and stability. She also outlined Oman’s environmental agenda, including its goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, investments in green hydrogen, renewable energy and the establishment of the Rahman Centre for Net Zero Emission. Oman has expanded its natural reserves and planted more than three million trees to safeguard its environment for future generations.
Principal Secretary Abubakar Hassan conveyed warm congratulations to the Sultanate on behalf of the Government of Kenya, lauding Oman as a valued friend and strategic partner. He celebrated the longstanding relations between the two nations, which date back centuries through trade, cultural exchanges and shared heritage along the Swahili Coast. He highlighted the recent Inaugural Political Consultations held in Muscat as a major milestone that reinforced Kenya and Oman’s determination to advance cooperation in trade, investment, aviation, culture and tourism. He emphasized the importance of expediting pending bilateral agreements that will unlock new economic opportunities for both nations. “There is need to balance the trade between Kenya and Oman and explore mutually beneficial strategies. We must expedite finalization of the pending agreements,” he said.
He specifically called for the swift conclusion of three key agreements: The Promotion and Protection of Investment Agreement, the Double Taxation Agreement and the Memorandum of Understanding on Trade Facilitation. According to the PS, these instruments will provide a more predictable and supportive environment for investors and strengthen economic ties. He also underscored the importance of peace and stability in the Red Sea and Western Indian Ocean regions, noting that both Kenya and Oman have consistently supported each other on multilateral platforms. “Regional peace and security are prerequisites for socio-economic transformation and no nation can address these challenges alone,” he observed.
The celebration also served as a reminder of the deep historical relationship between Kenya and Oman, stretching back to the 19th century. Both speakers emphasized that this shared heritage rooted in commerce, maritime links and cultural exchange continues to shape modern cooperation and people-to-people connections. Ambassador Al-Hashmi expressed gratitude for Kenya’s support during Oman’s presidency of the UN Security Council, noting that such gestures reflect the mutual respect and diplomatic alignment between the two countries.
As the event concluded, PS Abubakar extended best wishes to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and the people of Oman, expressing optimism about the future of Kenya–Oman relations. “May the friendship between our two nations flourish, anchored on shared aspirations and mutual respect,” he said. The National Day celebration reaffirmed not only Oman’s achievements and global outlook but also the growing commitment of both countries to deepen cooperation across political, economic and cultural spheres.