May 13, 2005

SULTAN QABOOS AND PRESIDENT HOSNI MUBARAK DISCUSS THE REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS. THE SULTAN OF OMAN EXPRESSES HIS SATISFACTION ON THE EXISTING GOOD TIES BETWEEN MEMBER STATES OF THE GCC. OMAN'S FOREIGN POLICY IS BASED ON OPENNESS, PEACE, ARAB RIGHTS AND FIGHTING TERRORISM. Sultan Qaboos bin Said presided over the Council of Ministers. He began his speech praising the Almighty on His benevolence and care to the Sultanate. Sultan Qaboos reviewed the priorities of national work in various sectors and the latest developments in the Arab and international arenas. The Sultan praised the development achieved by the Sultanate that covered all walks of life during the past years of the blessed Renaissance which brought about a society based on justice, prosperity and stability. The Sultan expressed satisfaction over accomplishing a number of infrastructure projects set up in the country to attract several investment projects. These projects, no doubt, will help create new job opportunities to the citizens. The Seventh Five-Year Plan will further enhance comprehensive development. On the coming stage of national work process, Sultan Qaboos called for top priority in evaluating the process and its development in accordance with the requirements of the new society. The Sultan stressed the need to give more importance to youths, to develop their capabilities and to train them for the next stage of the blessed Renaissance. Sultan Qaboos issued directives to give more importance to scientific research, noting that it has a great role to play in boosting the potentials of the country and strengthening its resources. Regarding the boom in the economic sector, Sultan Qaboos pointed out that there is an intention to set up free-trade zone in some selected locations in the Sultanate and it is expected that they will have a good impact on national economy during the next stages. The Sultan reviewed relations with the GCC states and expressed satisfaction on the existing good ties with them. He hailed positive relations between the Sultanate and other sisterly and friendly nations, stressing the importance of developing them in a way to reap mutual benefits. Sultan Qaboos concluded his address by giving directives to the members of the council to continue follow-up actions in various fields and to better performances in all institutions of the state to achieve the goals in the interest of the nation and citizens. President Mubarak and Sultan Qaboos Bin Saed of Oman held a session of talks yesterday upon the arrival of the Sultan in Sharm El Sheikh at the head of a large delegation including a number of ministers. Ambassador Suleiman Awwad, the Presidential Spokesman said that President Mubarak and Sultan Qaboos discussed the situation in general, the topics raised at Mubarak-Abdullah meeting and the latest contacts by Prince Abdullah on the peace process, the situation in Iraq and Lebanon. The official spokesman said that President Mubarak and Sultan Qaboos Bin Saed discussed ways of expanding bilateral cooperation between the two countries. He said that the large number of the Omani delegation reflects the multi aspects of relations between the two countries. He indicated that a session was held between the Egyptian and Omani delegations in parallel to talks between Mubarak and Sultan Qaboos. The Sultan arrived in the Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh where he was welcomed at the airport by President Mubarak. Oman's Ambassador in Cairo Abdul Aziz Al Hanea said that the summit held recently between President Hosni Mubarak and Sultan Qaboos bin Saeed of Oman stressed the importance of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. The ambassador said that the summit was part of the continued consultations between the two leaders to develop bilateral relations. Sultan Qaboos Bin Said of Oman arrived in Sharm el-Sheikh on a private visit to Egypt, during which he met with President Hosni Mubarak. A statement issued in the Sultanate of Oman said that the two leaders discussed aspects of cooperation and ways of enhancing bilateral relations in the different fields. They also tackled ways of expanding trade exchange, investments and exchange views on the latest developments. Sultan Qaboos was escorted by a high level delegation including the ministers of the Royal Court, Foreign Affairs, National Economy, Health, Trade, Industry, Housing, Electricity and Water, together with the advisors of the Sultan for telecommunications and the ambassador of Oman in Cairo. In exclusive statements to "Al-Ahram", Egyptian Ambassador in Muscat Hani Riyadh said that the visit of Sultan Qaboos comes in the context of the sustained consultations between the two leaders on the main issues of concern to the Arab nation. He said that the meeting would give a new momentum to bilateral relations in the different domains. He said that the two leaders will discuss ways of enhancing economic and commercial relations indicating that the upcoming stage would witness the convening of the joint Egyptian Omani committee. On his part, Omani Ambassador in Cairo Abdel Aziz Al- Hansey said that talks will also review the situation in Palestinian territories, the position in Iraq and ways of combating terrorism. He referred to identity of views between the two leaders on different Arab and international issues. On the other hand a session of official-level talks was held between the Sultanate and Thailand on the Council of Ministers premises. The Omani side was led by Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said, deputy prime minister for the Council of Ministers; and the Thai side was headed by Dr Thaksin Shinawatra, Thai premier. Sayyid Fahd welcomed the guest and his delegation hoping bilateral relations would further prosper. The guest and his delegation said they were delighted to have an audience with Sultan Qaboos bin Said, praising his wise policies which led to the comprehensive development witnessed by the Sultanate. He also hailed Sultan Qaboos' farsighted vision on regional and international events. The session discussed ways of enhancing existing bilateral relations in various fields, how to stimulate the role of private sectors in the two countries and increase trade exchange and joint investments. The two sides also reviewed regional and international issues of common concern. Dr Thaksin Shinawatra, premier of the Kingdom of Thailand, arrived on a two-day visit to the Sultanate. The visit of the Thai premier comes within the context of the good relations between the Sultanate and Thailand and the endeavours to boost them in the interest of the two peoples. Sultan Qaboos bin Said has received a written message from Dr Jan Peter Balkende, premier of the Netherlands, dealing with bilateral relations. The message was received by Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Ministry undersecretary, when he received the special envoy of the Netherlands government in his office yesterday. The meeting was attended by Mohammed bin Tahir Eided, head of the European department; the Dutch ambassador to the Sultanate and a number of ministry officials. Sultan Qaboos bin Said has sent a cable of greetings to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, president of the United Arab Emirates, while crossing the UAE airspace on his way to Qatar. The Sultan wished Sheikh Khalifa good health and long life, and prosperity and development to the people of his country. Oman's foreign policy since 1970 is based on four tenets: The development and maintenance of good relations with Oman's neighbours. An outward looking and internationalist outlook, as befits long-standing maritime traditions. A pragmatic approach to bilateral relations, emphasising underlying geostratic realities, rather than temporary ideological positions. The search for security through cooperation and peace, rather than conflict. Oman and the Gulf Crisis Over the years, Oman's foreign policy has acquired the respect of the international community. Among the positions Oman has taken over the years that have proven popular and durable is its position towards the Gulf crisis where Oman has reiterated its commitment to its policy of supporting the relevant United Nations Resolutions and, in this regard, has advised Iraq through diplomatic channels that United Nations weapons inspection teams must be allowed to return. Oman has always urged a peaceful solution, reached through diplomacy, to such crises in order to avoid a repetition of the conflict in 1991. At the same time, Oman has expressed deep concern for the sufferings of the Iraqi people and has called for an end to the sanctions regime. Concern was also voiced by Oman over the renewed confrontation resulting in American and British air strikes on Iraq in December 1998 and the afterwards. All sides were urged to return to a peaceful framework in accordance with the relevant Security Council resolutions with aim at ending this conflict and at allowing Iraq to assume its rightful position among the family of nations. Foreign Policy and Economic Development Oman's foreign policy is guided by the need for the Sultanate to take an active role in the global economy. The Basic Statute of the State establishes free market principles as the basis for the development of the Omani economy. The Sultanate is committed to the World Trade Organisation's principles and its accession to membership of this body was initiated in 1996. In the GCC, Oman supports moves towards the harmonisation of the member economies as well as the enhancement of the AGCC's trade and economic cooperation relations with the EU and other international industrial bodies. Indian Ocean Rim Association Oman was one of the 14 founder members of the Indian Ocean Rim Association in 1997, which aims to improve trade links and inward investment through the Indian Ocean region, from Australia, through South East Asia, India, Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula. Border Demarcation Oman has now demarcated all of its land, including the remaining maritime border with Pakistan, the agreement to which was signed in June 2000. Internal Stability Within Oman itself, Sultan Qaboos has consolidated national unity and has healed ancient rifts in the community. He has always had a clear vision of the direction in which to guide Omani society and maintains close contact with his people. Meeting the People The Sultan places great importance to meeting his people and every year makes a point of travelling to different parts of the country to see for himself what must be done and what the needs of his people are. During his tours, Sultan Qaboos stays for about a month in camp, as he travels from region to region accompanied by most of his ministers, whom he brings face to face with the problems encountered by the general public and from whom he demands prompt solutions, unencumbered by red tape and bureaucracy. These tours are an example of a uniquely Omani style of participating in the nation's affairs. The citizens are free to raise whatever matters they wish to direct to the Sultan and he speaks to all his people with his customary candour about all issues of national importance. Oman has a long history of contacts and relations with countries both within and outside the Arab world. Over many centuries, trade has flourished with the Indian sub-continent and the Far East, and in more recent times, with East Africa. Oman was the first Arab nation to establish diplomatic contact with the United States of America in the first half of the 19th century, by which time it already had a treaty relationship with Great Britain and France. Oman's foreign policy is driven by a realistic vision of the world. To understand Oman's foreign policy is to understand how skilled diplomacy works--how balancing interests, tolerance toward differences, and a determined search for mutual benefits can open international doors and keep them open, even during conflict. What is known about Oman's foreign policy is that it is not measured by ideological short-term goals but rather by Sultan Qaboos's vision of bringing the country to a new level of development while maintaining peaceful and friendly relations with all countries of the world. Sultan Qaboos's pragmatic, independent, and peaceful foreign policy has made Oman internally stable, economically prosperous, and a well-respected member of the international community. In 1971, Oman joined the Arab League and the United Nations later in the same year. In 1972, it became a member of the Islamic Conference Organization and in 1973, a member of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). Since then, Oman has joined many international organizations including the IMF, World Bank, UNIDO, UNESCO, WHO, UNICEF, WIPO, FAO, WMO, IMO, and most recently, the WTO. Oman is a founding member of the Arab Gulf Cooperation Council (AGCC), which was established in May 1981, and the Indian Ocean Rim Association, which was established in March 1997. Oman has also assumed membership in key international bodies such as the United Nations Security Council, United Nations Economic and Social Council, Executive Board of UNICEF, Executive Board of UNESCO, and the Council of the International Seabed Authority. Oman and its Neighbors Oman's adherence to its foreign policy principles has resulted in the conclusion of border and demarcation agreements with all its neighbors, which has contributed to the elevation of bilateral relations to a new level of cooperation and common destiny. In 1990 Saudi Arabia and Oman concluded a demarcation agreement of their borders. In 1992 the two countries signed the final border maps copies of which, showing the international boundaries between them, were deposited with the Arab League and the United Nations. In 1995, Oman and Yemen concluded a demarcation agreement of their border. In 1997, construction began on the 243km highway linking Dhofar, the southern region of Oman, with Yemen and on a free-trade zone between the two countries. In 1999, Oman and the United Arab Emirates signed the Annexes to the border agreement between them in a ceremony that was attended by Sultan Qaboos and His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The Annexes regulate border controls and define the authority of each country along their frontiers. With these agreements Oman can proudly say that, with the understanding of its neighbors, it has managed to demark all its land and sea boundaries with the exception of one maritime boundary with Pakistan, which is expected to be completed in the near future. Oman has also taken concrete steps to create a greater harmony with its neighbors and the rest of the world. In this regard, it has signed agreements with the UAE and Qatar to allow nationals from their countries to travel between on an identity card instead of a passport between them. Also, since February 2000, visitors to Oman holding a European passport will now be able to travel freely between UAE and Oman using a tourist visa issued by one of the two Gulf States. Oman and Asia Oman enjoys strong ties with economic partners and friends in Asia, where exchanges of high-level visits have grown over the years in a demonstration of friendship and cooperation between with its partners in Asia. The importance of close relations with India and Pakistan was underscored by 's state visits to both countries in 1997 and 2001 respectively. This relation was further underscored by the visit to Oman by India's Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee in 1998 and Pakistan's Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf in 2001. In early 1997, official high-level delegations were sent to Sri Lanka, Japan and Brunei to strengthen existing ties and trade relations with these countries and people. In July 1997, a delegation visited Beijing for talks with senior Chinese officials. Needless to say that Oman's relations with other partners in Asia such as the Republic of Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Iran and others have also witnessed a greater cooperation and coordination than before. Oman and the European Union Oman also enjoys excellent relations with the European Union. In this regard, it has actively participated in all rounds of talks between the AGCC and the EU. In February 1997, GCC officials and their EU counterparts met in Doha, Qatar, to review progress in the economic relations between the Gulf States and the European Union. Similar negotiations with the EU to improve trade were held in Brussels during 1996, with Oman leading the GCC team and Italy the European side. Recently, GCC officials met with their EU counterparts in Manama, Bahrain, and have discussed matters of mutual interests in order to find ways and means to strengthen the cooperation between them. It is important to note that the European Union is the largest trading partner of the GCC countries. With the declining trend in oil prices, the trade balance has tilted towards the EU, which in addition has levied tariffs on oil imports and petrochemicals from the Gulf. Oman and her neighbors want to encourage more inward investment from Europe and to see an end to trade barriers which they consider go against the spirit of the initial accord signed in Luxembourg in 1988 and the guidelines of the World Trade Origination. It is hoped that a free trade agreement will be finalized shortly, which would match exactly the requirements of the World Trade Organization agreement. Oman and the Indian Ocean Rim Association In 1997, Oman along with other 13 nations founded the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation. This newly founded association aims at improving trade links and inward investment through the Indian Ocean region, from Australia, through South East Asia, India, Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Oman, with India, Mauritius, South Africa, Australia, Singapore and Kenya had been working towards this association for at least two years. Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia, Yemen, Tanzania, Mozambique and Madagascar have since joined the movement, with the hope to turn this vital part of the world into a harmonized region for trade and investment. In April 2001, the IOR-ARC Council of Ministers meeting in Muscat, Oman, recognized the increase of membership to 19 states. The ministerial meeting of the IORARC paved the ground for greater cooperation among the members of the association. Oman and the Middle East Peace Process Oman has been fully committed to the Middle East Peace Process since its inception in 1991. It has joined the international community in calling for the achievement of a lasting, just and comprehensive peace that will bring stability and prosperity to the whole region, as well as security and peace for all its people. Oman continues to affirm its complete support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people to determine their own future in their own land, including the establishment of an independent state. Oman has participated actively in the multilateral talks phase of the peace process, and has steadfastly opposed the use of violence, terrorism and occupation. It is important to note that Oman hosts the Middle East Desalination Research Center. This center was established within the context of the Middle East Peace Process, as a result of an Omani initiative within the Working Group on Water Resources. The center is dedicated to conducting and facilitating basic and applied research in desalination and related fields, training and the transfer of technology. It was established in Muscat at the end of 1996, with founder members Oman, USA, Japan, Israel, Jordan, and the Republic of Korea contributing over US$12 million to its initial funding. In addition, the European Union have pledged 3 million ECU's and intends to join the Center as a founding Oman and its Diplomatic Relations Since 1970, the Sultanate of Oman has gradually established links all over the world and has never broken off diplomatic relations with any country. Diplomatic relations have been established with 135 countries.