King Charles hails Oman's 'noble efforts' on the Strait of Hormuz at a Windsor state banquet for the Sultan

Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said are expected to sign a two-way investment deal and a maritime security pact at Downing Street today. The Middle East war is expected to dominate their talks. Burnham has hailed 'a friendship which generates real benefits' for both nations. It marks his first diplomatic engagement of this kind — tied to a state visit — since he took office.

The Strait of Hormuz, off Oman's coast, has been effectively closed since February.

King Charles praised Oman's 'constructive neutrality' and spoke Arabic at the Windsor banquet.