Details in a press release show that Sheikh Khalifa Alharthy, Foreign Ministry Undersecretary for Political Affairs, received Joanna Kuenssberg, Vice President for Corporate Relations, Middle East, Africa and Eurasia, at Shell, on 28 October 2026. The statement does not mention the duration of the meeting, but it details the core objectives: exploring ways to strengthen cooperation in the energy sector. The discussion encompassed examining regional and international developments, specifically their impact on energy security, global market stability, and maritime security. This is an unofficial English version of an Arabic report. To view the official Arabic text, click here.
Context
The meeting between Alharthy and Kuenssberg represents a continuation of Oman’s diplomatic engagement with major international energy players. The statement does not mention any specific areas of potential collaboration beyond “strengthening cooperation in the energy sector.” However, the inclusion of “maritime security” in the stated agenda highlights a key concern for Oman, given its strategic location on the Arabian Sea and its significant maritime trade. The statement does not address Shell’s operations within Oman, but the meeting’s focus on market stability suggests a desire to ensure the continued flow of energy resources through regional waterways. The visit follows other recent engagements, as detailed in the ministry’s news releases of 28 October 2026, including a meeting with a World Food Programme delegation and a briefing for British media.
What to Watch
Should the visit yield a concrete framework for collaboration, the next step for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would be to formalize these discussions through memoranda of understanding or other agreements. If the discussions focus primarily on broad principles, the statement does not mention any immediate deliverables. The Ministry’s previous engagement with the US House delegation in October 2026, which aimed to “strengthen cooperation and coordination in various fields,” suggests a broader strategy of diversifying partnerships. Similarly, the meeting with the US Assistant Treasury Secretary, which reviewed “relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the United States and explored ways to strengthen cooperation and coordination in areas of mutual interest,” indicates a sustained effort to maintain positive economic ties. The statement does not mention any changes in Oman’s broader foreign policy stance, but the meeting’s emphasis on maritime security reflects a continued prioritization of regional stability.
