Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman flew to London on Tuesday, where he was treated to a lavish state dinner at Windsor Castle, hosted by King Charles III. “Oman is a key ally of the UK in the Middle East,” the Independent said in its report on Tuesday night’s events.

Charles, on Tuesday night, praised Oman’s “constructive neutrality” during the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran. “I would especially like to recognize, at a time when conflict has returned so painfully to the region, Oman’s enduring commitment as a trusted interlocutor to all parties,” he said. He praised Oman’s “noble efforts” to keep the shipping route open. “Oman’s role across the Gulf and her ‘constructive neutrality’, as you put it, matters far beyond Hormuz, and is worthy of our utmost respect,” he said.

In his speech, the Sultan spoke about Oman’s role in the Middle East crisis, saying that the region had known “too much” conflict. “Oman has chosen a different path, an independent path; we take positions for dialogue, for understanding and for peace,” he said. “A wise nation chooses to listen. Oman has chosen to listen. And in that listening, we have found a strength that armies cannot provide.