Prime Minister Makes Oman Visit

The Prime Minister is in Oman today to meet the Sultan of Oman as part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with countries in the Gulf region.

During the Prime Minister’s visit, a landmark deal has been signed between BAE Systems and the Government of Oman for sale of 12 Typhoon aircraft and 8 Hawk jets. This multi-billion deal will safeguard thousands of UK jobs at BAE Systems factories in Lancashire and Yorkshire and many more in small businesses in the supply chain.

Today’s deal is part of the Prime Minister’s ongoing effort to boost sales of the Typhoon with the objective of securing sales of over 100 aircraft to the Gulf region in 2013 in deals that could be worth over £6 billion to British firms.

Before arriving in Oman, the Prime Minister said: "Boosting exports is vital for economic growth and that’s why I’m doing all I can to promote British business in the fastest growing markets so they can thrive in the global race.

"Every country in the world has a right to self-defence and I’m determined to put Britain’s first class defence industry at the forefront of this market, supporting 300,000 jobs across the country.

"The Typhoon fighter jet performed outstandingly in Libya, and so it’s no surprise that Oman want to add this aircraft to their fleet."

The PM, in his second visit to the country since taking office, will meet the Sultan of Oman where talks will focus on wider trade policy and regional foreign policy issues including Iran, Egypt and Yemen.

(GK)