More jobs will be created in the U.K. with the announcement of plans to develop a multi-million dollar joint venture between the Oman Drydock Company and Babcock International, a British defense company, according to Defense Secretary Michael Fallon.
The newly created venture will support the Duqm Port complex by providing strongly needed engineering work and upkeep of the U.K.’s new Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers and other naval ships from around the globe.
“This partnership will bring British engineering expertise to help develop Duqm as a strategic port for the Middle East on the Indian Ocean, benefiting the Royal Navy and others,” Fallon said. “It demonstrates how our long term commitment to the Middle East is promoting our security and prosperity.”
The defense, security and financial outlook agendas for Oman and the U.K. will benefit greatly from the Duqm port project. In addition, the project aims to allow the U.K. the ability to grow the naval facility, which will provide future carrier capability and broader British nautical needs in the area.
Fallon signed a new agreement during his visit that will prolong the partnership between the U.K. and Oman, specifically as it relates to the continuation of training exercises being performed together.
“Last week’s attacks in Brussels were a reminder that all of us, the Gulf and Europe, must stand together to defeat Daesh and its ideology,” he said.
In attempts to better the relationship between the U.K. and Oman in working to defeat Daesh and other terroristic groups, the defense secretary plans to meet with the minister responsible for defense affairs, Sayyid Al Busaidi and Minister of the Royal Office Mohammed Al Numani.
