UK's Starmer, Oman's sultan agree to deepen ties in energy, defence and tech

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said agreed on Wednesday to deepen collaboration across energy, technology, defence and security, a Downing Street spokesperson said.

During talks in London where the leaders also discussed the ongoing UK-Gulf Cooperation Council trade negotiations, the leaders called for urgent humanitarian aid to reach Gaza, saying the current situation "cannot continue."

"The Prime Minister updated His Majesty on his conversations with other leaders in recent days, and both agreed on the need for a longer-term peace plan, which includes a pathway to recognition," the spokesperson said.

Starmer announced on Tuesday that Britain would recognise a Palestine state in September unless Israel took steps to improve the situation in Gaza and bring about peace.

On Iran, Starmer thanked the sultan for Oman's continued efforts to help reach a diplomatic solution and avoid a return to conflict in the region.