On December 1, Chinese Ambassador to Oman Lyu Jian attended the promotion event for China Eastern Airlines' inaugural Beijing-Muscat flight. The event was also attended by Omani Minister of Heritage and Tourism Salim Al Mahrouqi, Expert in the office of Secretary-General of the Council of Ministers Sayyid Hamoud Al Busaidi, Chairman of the Oman-China Friendship Association Khalid Al Saidi, senior officials from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as Deputy General Manager of China Eastern Airlines Li Ye. Friends from various sectors of China and Oman, media representatives, and online influencers, totaling approximately 150 people were present.
Ambassador Lyu Jian, on behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Oman, extended warm congratulations on the launch of the direct flight. He stated that the opening of the Beijing-Muscat route is the latest measure to implement the outcomes of the first China-Arab States Summit and the first China-GCC Summit. It will enhance connectivity and mutual benefits between China and Oman, revitalizing the millennia-old Maritime Silk Road. The launch of the direct flight is the result of the high-level attention from Chinese government and the joint efforts of both China and Oman, which will undoubtedly better facilitate personnel exchanges between China-Oman in political and diplomatic affairs, practical cooperation, and people-to-people ties. He expressed gratitude to all sectors for their support for China-Oman relations and thanked China Eastern Airlines, the Oman Civil Aviation Authority, and Oman Airports Company for their contributions.
Ambassador Lyu noted that China is currently advancing Chinese Modernization through high-quality development. The proposals for the 15th Five-Year Plan outline a grand blueprint for development over the next five years. Oman Vision 2040 is progressing smoothly, and its 11th Five-Year Plan is about to be implemented. On the path to achieving their respective national development goals, China and Oman are partners of mutual respect and trust.
Ambassador Lyu emphasized that in recent years, under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, the two countries have deepened the alignment of their development strategies, continuously enhanced political mutual trust, expanded practical cooperation, and strengthened people-to-people exchanges. As an Arabic proverb says, "Pyramids are built stone by stone." The launch of the direct flight marks a new starting point for deepening cooperation between China and Oman. He welcomed all sectors from both countries to seize this favorable opportunity, strengthen exchanges and interactions, and add new dimensions to the China-Oman strategic partnership. He sincerely invited people from all walks of life to take the direct flight and personally experience the journey of friendship, cooperation, and hope as China and Oman advance hand in hand. Ambassador Lyu also noted that China is home of magnificent natural landscapes, a thriving economy and society, and a unique cultural heritage. He welcomed more Omani friends to take the direct flight and experience "Beautiful China."
Omani Minister of Heritage and Tourism Salim Al Mahrouqi, Sayyid Hamoud Al Busaidi, and other Omani guests praised the traditional friendship between China and Oman, highly commended the great achievements of Chinese Modernization, and expressed their expectation that the direct flight would play a significant role in promoting bilateral relations.
Ambassador Lyu and Minister Salim Al Mahrouqi presented awards to the winners of the competition "Chinese Modernization in Omanis’ Eyes" organized by the embassy. The event featured a grand inaugural flight lighting ceremony, where six guest speakers jointly lit up the large screen, symbolizing the official launch of the route. The performances of the Omani bagpipe and the Chinese face-changing art complemented each other, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere.
After the ceremony, Ambassador Lyu gave interviews to mainstream media from both China and Oman.