MUSCAT — His Majesty Sultan Qaboos presided over a Council of Ministers’ meeting at Bait al Baraka yesterday. His Majesty the Sultan opened the meeting by thanking Allah for His continuous blessings and great bounties, praying to the Almighty to bestow Oman with lasting peace and security. His Majesty the Sultan reviewed domestic, regional and international developments. In the domestic front, His Majesty the Sultan cited the economic and financial position of the country as solid and stable.

He said that the government places great expectations on the various mega economic projects in Al Duqm and Al Batinah due to be linked with a railway line to facilitate the transport movement between them and between the GCC states in future, God willing. His Majesty the Sultan also showed his satisfaction with the progress made in the tourism sector. He directed the Council of Ministers to study this sector with a view to reviving the seasonal tourism of some regions in the Sultanate.

He stressed the importance of providing employment for Omani youth, males and females, in industries generated by all these fields of activities. In this connection, His Majesty the Sultan hailed the ‘culture of work’ developed by the Omani citizens in terms of accepting all types of work. This culture has become tangible in all walks of life, thanks to the combined efforts of the government and citizens, which calls for pleasure and satisfaction. His Majesty the Sultan stressed the importance of linking the ‘education output’ (the number of students who complete school education) with the development and labour requirements to enable Omani citizens to compete fairly and be well-prepared to join the labour market.

His Majesty the Sultan touched on the current regional situation and global developments. He stressed that the Sultanate will continue its support for Arab issues and address developments of regional issues to support efforts aimed at establishing stability in the region. The Sultanate’s stance stems from its conviction that its relation with all countries of the world be based on optimum co-operation and mutual respect. His Majesty the Sultan also reviewed a number of issues of concern to the homeland and the citizen. He issued directives to the Royal Family members, ministers and members of the Council of Ministers to realise further development and fulfil the envisaged goals. He wished all success in achieving prosperity in this beloved country, for its faithful people.
— ONA