Defence Secretary has travelled to Oman to
sign the agreement, alongside their Minister Responsible for
Defence Affairs, Badr Bin Saud Bin Harib Al Busaidi.
Defence Secretary said:
It is a pleasure to sign this agreement, bringing us even
closer to one of our most important partners. This is an
historic landmark moment between our two nations and is a
significant reinforcement of our mutual security.
Gulf security is our security, and it is crucial that we expand
our horizons and become a truly global Britain after we leave
the European Union.
The JDA follows the culmination of Exercise Saif Sareea 3, which
was held in Oman during October and November 2018. It was the
largest exercise by the UK’s military since Saif Sareea 2, 17
years previously, with 5,500 troops travelling to Oman to display
their land, air and sea capabilities. The JDA provides a launch
pad to deepen defence co-operation, with both nations working
together to develop capabilities and promote regional stability.
The UK and Oman have a long-standing and historic relationship,
dating back more than 200 years. More recently, the British Joint
Logistics Support Base in Duqm opened last year and the Defence
Secretary announced during his visit to Saif Sareea 3 that a new
joint military training area will be established in the country
this year. The UK is committed to the development of Duqm Port
and this is part of the UK’s defence commitment to the region to
ensure that our operations are agile. Additionally the new
Omani-British Joint Training Area will ensure the UK is building
a world-class military force alongside Omani counterparts,
building on our joint learning from Saif Sareea 3.
The Agreement will ensure that these facilities are available for
use long into the future, allowing the UK to maintain a presence
in the Region. This includes a new Naval Support Facility in
Bahrain and our ongoing cooperation at Al Udeid in Qatar.
It also builds on the Prime Minister’s commitment to the Freedom
of Navigation, economic stability and security in the Gulf.
The Ministry of Defence is committed to spending £3 billion
across the Gulf over the next 10 years.
His Excellency Sayyid Bader bin Saud bin Harib Al-Busaidi, the
Omani Minister Responsible for Defence Affairs said:
This agreement culminates the efforts of both countries’
leaderships to enhance the existing bilateral cooperation and
the strategic partnership between them. It is a milestone in
the history of both nations.
The signing of this agreement today reaffirms the importance of
optimizing the joint military efforts to ensure the security
and stability of both friendly countries and pave the way for
more cooperation in the field of defence and joint exercises in
pursuance of the agreement objectives.
