Says Ambassador Mohamed Selim Alharthy of Oman in Seoul

By Industry Editor Sung Jung-wook

On Nov. 20, 2019, Ambassador Mohamed Selim Alharthy of Oman in Seoul hosts a reception at the Lotte Hotel in Seoul in celebration of the 49th National Day of Oman.

“The Sultanate of Oman marks its 49th National Day,” says Ambassador Alharthy, “and it is the most cherished milestone that is celebrated this year and every year in a renewed spirit of dignity, determination and aspiration.” (See excerpts from the statement of Ambassador Alharthy.)

His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said Sultan of the Sultanate of Oman.

According to a recent report by Oman Observer, President Moon Jae-in met Ambassador Alharthy on the sidelines of the reception hosted by President Moon at the Presidential Palace of Cheong Wa Dae for the heads of diplomatic missions in Seoul. Ambassador Alharthy conveyed the greetings of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos along with best wishes of good health and well-being to President Moon, and the friendly Korean people continuous progress and prosperity.

Korea and the Oman have maintained very friendly and cooperative relations since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1974.
Since then, particularly in the economic field, Oman has been an important partner of Korea.

On behalf of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, His Highness Sayyid Asaad bin Tareq al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Affairs and Personal Representative of His Majesty the Sultan, received at his office Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon during Lee’s visit to Oman.

Oman provides large amounts of crude oil and LNG to Korea which constitutes one of the major energy sources for the Korean industries, and on the other hand, Korea exports many industrial products to Oman, including automobiles, hi-tech electronics. And many Korean companies with cutting-edge technology and ample experience participate in the construction of the Omani infrastructure and major plants.

According to the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Korean government appreciates this mutually supportive relationship with the Sultanate of Oman, and the Korean people hold deepest respect for His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, under whose distinguished leadership, the Sultanate has achieved such remarkable national development for the past 40 years.

Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon (left) talks with His Highness Sayyid Asa'ad bin Tariq Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Affairs and Personal Representative of His Majesty the Sultan (right) during their meeting in Muscat on July 24, 2018.

Remarks by Ambassador Mohamed Selim Alharthy of Oman:

The Sultanate of Oman marks its 49th National Day and is the most cherished milestone that is celebrated this year and every year in a renewed spirit of dignity, determination and aspiration.

As the Omani people mark the National Day (the 18th of November Anniversary) in full fanfare and jubilation, they strongly voice their love, gratitude and allegiance to the architect of modern Oman, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

Ambassador Mohamed Salim Alharthy of the Sultanate of Oman in Seoul.

His Majesty Sultan Qaboos steers the country to the shores of safety, he also achieved stability, security and prosperity over the past 49 years of statute leadership, despite the challenges posed to the region.

Sultanate of Oman, under the leadership of Sultan Qaboos made record progress in all sectors. The Sultan, who vowed to build a modern state, planned well for everything. The country has been established on solid grounds of equality, rule of law, cooperation and institutional integration that saw a successful prime, with citizens sharing the responsibility of nation building.

Over the past 49 years, Sultanate of Oman, under the leadership of Sultan Qaboos made record progress in all sectors, steered the country to the shores of safety, stability, security and prosperity The country has been established on solid grounds of equality, rule of law, cooperation and institutional integration, built a modern state, planned well for everything that saw a successful prime, with citizens sharing the responsibility of nation building.

The National Flag of the Sultanate of Oman.

The Sultanate of Oman is strategically located on some of the world’s most important maritime trade routes, the sea routes that link the Gulf with destinations across the Indian Ocean. Oman is located in the far south-eastern quadrant of the Arabian Peninsula. Its 3,195 kms of coastline extend at their south-eastern extremity, where the waters of the Arabian Sea meet the vast Indian Ocean, northwards to the Sea of Oman and on to Musandam, where the great overland caravan routes intersected on their journeys due north, south, east and west through the Arabian Peninsula.

Mayor Park Won-soon of Seoul and Chairman of Muscat Municipality (third and fourth from right, respectively) pose for the cameria on the occasion of the visit of the Oamani delegation to Seoul on Sept. 6, 2018. They had a signing cooperation agreement on that day.

For extended periods of its history, Oman has been a prominent and dynamic regional hub, its reputation on the high seas second to none. It nurtured strong ties with the early civilisations of China, India and Mesopotamia and, to the west, those of the Eastern Mediterranean, Nile Valley and North Africa. It has at times contributed generously to the cultural advancement of mankind. At others it has been an influential naval and political power.

Qurm sea side.

The Sultanate's cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible, has been the focus of special attention and protection in modern Oman. His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said had the vision to recognize heritage as a cornerstone of national identity, one that contributes to social cohesion at home and respect, understanding and tolerance for others. In this stable climate, sustainable development flourishes, and knowledge, skills and values are transferred peaceably from generation to generation.

Oman has been known from earliest times as a center of cultural exchange and peaceful coexistence. Its influence grew in the Islamic era through interactions that established the Omani reputation for social harmony, and understanding and acceptance of difference in other cultures. Omanis were renowned for their wisdom, generosity and hospitality. These social virtues are constants of the Omani character and features of their exchanges with other cultures and peoples across time.

Mutrah cornich.

The establishment of the modern institutions of State – administrative, executive and judicial - constitutes a significant achievement, and was facilitated by a constructive dialogue between the Council of Ministers and the Council of Oman.

The Basic Law of the State is the legal framework of reference that oversees and defines the work of the various agencies of State. It is the source from which these agencies derive the basis and scope of their authority. It is also the source that guarantees and protects to the maximum extent the freedom, dignity and rights of the individual. It defends the rule of law to a degree commensurate with the strictest international standards.

The Omani Shura, or ‘consultation’ is bicameral, incorporating the appointed Majles al-Dawla, or State Council, and the elected Majles al-Shura, or Consultation Council, both overseen by the Majles Oman, or the Oman Council.

Sultan Qaboos grand mosque.

Oman economy is based on principles of openness to global markets and economic diversification. The investment opportunities and incentives offered by Oman have enabled to attract local and foreign investors. Among these advantages being security, political stability and a climate of economic freedom that permits foreigners to own projects, beside other facilities in varies industrial areas and free economic zones. Oman has fostered immense developmental march forward to put the Omani economy on track for a new phase of growth: The Oman 2040 Vision, following the success of Oman 2020 Vision focusing on economic diversification and attracting foreign investments.

With its strategic location overlooking the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, the Sea of Oman and the Arabian Gulf, it was inevitable that Oman would establish major commercial and industrial ports along its coastline. Today, the logistics sector is growing to become one of the Sultanate’s main sectors of economic diversification. Ports are a key component of the logistics sector. In recent years, the twin drives to secure economic diversification on the one hand, and expanded investment on the other, have led to major development in this sector.

Sutaln Qaboos Grand Mosque-Night sceneary.

Located within the special economic zone, Duqm Port has a range of facilities, including a logistic services area, dry dock, Duqm port itself, Duqm airport and Duqm refinery. The port is currently undergoing further major infrastructural works.

The Sultanate supports the private sector, stimulating it to contribute more actively to the national economy. It promotes the introduction of modern technologies in local industry, so as to enhance the quality of Omani industrial output. It is constantly working to facilitate procedures for investors that support competitiveness, favoring investment in local and external market products that are high in quality and competitively priced. With an eye to the overall strategic benefit to the country, it incentivizes foreign investment in products that add value to the domestic economy.

Oman Royal Opera House.

Oman’s foreign policy is clear, transparent and objective at all political, economic and cultural levels. It is based on building bridges of friendship and to extend cooperation and good relations to other states on the solid ground of mutual respect, and non-interference in internal affairs. Oman is adopting an approach based on values of peace, co-existence, tolerance, dialogue and cooperation, as well as respect for principles of justice and equality.

Oman has been known from earliest times as a center of cultural exchange and peaceful coexistence. Its influence grew in the Islamic era through interactions that established the Omani reputation for social harmony, and understanding and acceptance of difference in other cultures. Omanis were renowned for their wisdom, generosity and hospitality.

Ntural landscape in Bladsait city.

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.

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.

Landscape - Irrigation system in Oman.

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, saying, “Acting from its position of sovereignty on its national waters and, as part of its international responsibilities to oversee its part of the Strait of Hormuz, Oman calls upon all countries to cooperate and respect the right for navigation in accordance with UN Agreement on Maritime Law.

Almirani castle Muscat.

Sultan Qaboos Declaration Project on United Human Values: To continue the deep experience of Oman and its belief in morality and shared values, and to implement the directives of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos on fostering relations among the nations, and on the occasion of the national day, Sultan Qaboos Declaration Project on United Human Values was unveiled at the celebration of the International Day for Tolerance held in Jakarta on Saturday Nov 16.

The project aims to help a turbulent world to rise again and achieve a balanced future where people enjoy dignity and basic human rights. The project involves improving lives, adopting a global system of ethics and nurturing spiritual values.

A number of UN officials and other international organization have praised the Sultan Qaboos Declaration Project on United Human Values. An initiative to enhance harmony and solidarity that seek to build dialogue and support the principles of justice and equality in building bridges of communication, understanding and respect between peoples and religions that serves the noble goals of the United Nations such as the rejection of intolerance and hatred.

Nizwa castle.

Oman-Korea relations date back more than a thousand years, when Omani merchants met their Korean counterparts on their way to China during Shilla dynasty way back during Silk Road. In modern times, Oman-Korea diplomatic relations was established in 1974. Since then, Oman-Korea relations witnessed a remarkable development in various fields and the trade volume has increased and even expected to double in the coming years due to large engagements and investment opportunities and partnership between Oman and Korea.

Korea is regarded a major trading partner of Oman, and both countries engage in numerous economical exchanges and cooperation. Oman provides large quantities of oil and LNG to Korea. On the other hand, Korea exports many industrial products, including automobiles, vessels, hi-tech electronics and electric goods to Oman.

Nizwa Fort-Mosque-Souq.

Moreover, many Korean companies such as Samsung, GS, LG, Daewoo, Hyundai, Doosan, Hanjin, Dealim POSCO, and many small & business companies are contributing to the development of Omani infrastructure and other major projects. To reflect the strong ties, high ranking exchange visit from both sides has taken place. Oman also very often participates in most international events and conferences which take place in Korea throughout the year.

The potential of cooperation between Oman and Korea is wide and spacious. Sultanate of Oman welcomes the Korean investments particularly in the field of industries, tourism, logistics, mining and fisheries, as well as, technology, health care, education, energy, water, environment, and renewable energy. In addition, the area of cooperation is widely opened to enter into many joint ventures projects and investment whether in Oman or in Korea or any other country, and it is hoped that the private sector will play a major role in this partnership.

In that, we would like to invite Korean companies to take the opportunity to participate in these projects and investments. I would like also to invite the Korean people to visit Oman, explore the heritage and culture, tourism land marks beside the beautiful geological landscape and adventure. The embassy is keen on providing support and cooperation to Koreans as tourists or business.

Albustan palace hotel.

In closing, I would like to express my thanks and appreciation to the Korean people and government for their cooperation, kindness, generosity and hospitality they have extended to us since our arrival in this great and beautiful country.

I feel proud and happy for the success and achievements that have been accomplished in term of the relation and cooperation between Oman and Korea and our efforts in public diplomacy throughout the previous years. I’m confident that the solid base that we have established will pave the way for further cooperation, collaboration, partnership and long lasting relation between Oman and Korea. Ultimately, my heartfelt wishes to Korea to further success and progress and for the Oman-Korea relation further development and prosperity. Finally, I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to the sponsor and all those who have made this supplement possible.

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