Oman marks Renaissance Day

The Embassy of Oman contributed the below article on the occasion of its 47th Renaissance Day on July 23. — ED.

The Sultanate of Oman is celebrating its 47th Renaissance Day on July 23, 2017.

On the occasion of Oman Renaissance Day, the people of Oman reiterate their allegiance to Sultan Qaboos, architect of the country’s rebirth march. Their proclamation of allegiance is associated with profound feelings of love, gratitude, appreciation and loyalty to Sultan Qaboos, whose wise leadership developed a modern state established on solid foundations of equality, civilized citizenship, and rule of the law. The sultan put the country on the right track for progress and growth which benefits all citizens.

On this auspicious day, the Omani people ponder over the achievements made in the past 47 years. The efforts of the sultan, coupled with the resourcefulness of the people molded the country into the exact honorable shape that the sultan had envisioned and planned for — an oasis of peace and prosperity that abounds with all means of dignified life.

While the country’s rebirth date of July 23, 1970 constituted the gateway to a new brilliant reign, Omanis today continue to reap the fruits of the past years of ardent nation building. They gratefully savor the success of local, regional and international policies laid down by the Sultan.

Right from the first day of the Omani Renaissance, the sultan reinforced the pillars of national unity as a solid base from which support the efforts of domestic development. He set up and upgraded the edifices of justice and the ‘State of Law and Institutions’ so that citizens and residents enjoy security, with all rights guaranteed under the rule of law.

The sultan also laid down the foundations of a foreign policy that is based on extending bridges of friendship, confidence, credibility and clarity when dealing with all brethren and friends, in all events and under all circumstances. In its relations with brotherly and friendly countries, Oman’s foreign policy sticks to specific, clear-cut, permanent and declared principles.

This policy had a strong impact and a tangible effect in tackling various issues and enabled Oman to maintain its dignified status and play a positive role in the international arena, acting as an active contributor to the good of the people of this region and the surrounding world.

Thanks to the tradition of peace advocated by Sultan Qaboos, Oman has been able to establish relations of fraternity, friendship and cooperation with all countries of the world. Oman has been keen on developing these relations in all fields to optimize benefits and serve its own interests, as well as the interests of other countries.

Sultanate Oman is one of the countries that endorse the principles of dialogue and negotiations for resolving disputes by peaceful means on the basis of mutual respect and adherence to the international law. Oman also adopts the principles of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, cooperation among countries, achievement of common interests and good neighborliness.

In all events and in the local and international arena, Oman believes that every problem has a solution if there exists a strong will and if efforts and interests meet on this common ground, because nations yearn to peace, understanding and co-existence in accordance with the motto “neither afflict harm nor inflict harm.”

Thanks to these policies and stands that are distinguished for their credibility, the sultan has gained the respect of leaders of countries in the region and the world at large. This respect also influenced Oman’s relations with brethren and friends.

Oman, being a haven for peace and security, has been an active player in every effort to promote the region’s peace and stability. Towards this goal, the sultanate received the president of Iran, the emir of Kuwait, the king of Jordan and the Palestinian president.

With the march of Oman’s Renaissance entering its 48th year in full confidence and looking forward to a bright future, the sultanate is planning to carry out many major projects meant to diversify the economy, develop sources of revenues and increase employment opportunities for the national manpower.

These include oil refining and petrochemical projects, industrial, tourism and fisheries projects in Duqm that are expected to be completed in 2019.