Oman Day reception guests discuss Nawaz Sharif’s health

ISLAMABAD: The guests in reception for commemorating 49th National Day of Oman Thursday kept discussing health of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and future of the government which is passing through critical period of its existence since it failed miserably in delivery.

The reception hosted by Ambassador Al-Sheikh Muhammad Omar Ahmed Al-Marhoon in Serena who is extremely popular with the various communities in the federal capital. The guests linked the tension between government and opposition with the future of the system.

Chairman Senate Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani, who turned up very late in the reception could meet few guests, but JUI leader Senator Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haidri was conspicuous among the guests throughout the reception. He had to face volley of queries about the Azadi March and future course of action of the opposition.

Federal Minister Khusro Bakhtiar, whose portfolio has been reshuffled, was the chief guest. Ambassador Al-Sheikh Muhammad Omar Ahmed Al-Marhoon said on the occasion that the Omani people mark the National Day in full fanfare and jubilation, they strongly voice their love, gratitude and allegiance to the architect of modern Oman, Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

“The accomplishments made and savored by citizens are incredible. Being a model country, the Sultanate has earned the respect of the international community, and it is well known as a peace-loving country. Internationally, Oman’s initiatives are focused on active participation in every positive effort aimed at realizing peace, security and stability of nations around the world,” he said. The ambassador reminded that Oman’s world class status has been highlighted in many events, the most of recent of which is the First World Congress on Maritime Heritage held in Singapore last march (2019).

At the conference, the Sultan was awarded the Excellent Leadership Award. This reflects a global recognition for the Sultan’s attention to Oman’s marine heritage and keenness on reaffirming the country’s status in the world maritime map, a status marvelously asserted by Shabab Oman 2 sail ship, which continued to bag top international cups for tall ships, the last of which was the vessels voyage of “Glory and Peace” to the European Continent this year, he added.

Ambassador Muhammad Omar Ahmed Al-Marhoon said that the Sultanate’s international prestige has also been reaffirmed through the convening of GCC, Arab, regional and international meetings in Oman. This was in recognition of Oman’s active diplomatic efforts aimed at ensuring the security, stability and prosperity of the region’s countries and the world at large.

Oman’s advocates a policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, respect for neighbors and cooperation to resolve disputes through dialogue and peaceful means.

“Oman, which heads the current GCC summit sessions, has played a positive role in rapprochement among member states during meetings of committees and councils in preparation for meetings of the GCC Supreme Council of leaders,” he said. The Oman envoy said that Oman welcomes all sincere efforts to end wars, on top of which is the war waging in Yemen. The Sultanate’s seeks all means to ease tension in the GCC region and secure the safe passage of vessels via the Strait of Hormuz as part of the country’s responsibility to secure its regional waters. This was stated clearly in the Sultanate’s speech during the 74th session of UN general assembly.

He vowed that the Sultanate also reiterates its support for the Palestinian people’s national right of establishing their own independent country, with East Jerusalem as its capital, as part of the two-state solution. Last June, Oman opened a new embassy in Ramallah, Palestine.

“Oman’s foreign policy is clear, transparent and objective at all political, economic and cultural levels.” To enhance security and stability in the region, the Sultanate signed a joint defence agreement with the United Kingdom on the 21st of February 2019.

This was followed on the 22nd of May 2019 by another agreement for cooperation and development of joint ties with the United Kingdom. Earlier, in May 2018, the Sultanate signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement with China, the ambassador said.