Major boost to bilateral relations with Canada

MUSCAT: State Council Chairman, Dr Yahya bin Mahfoudh Al Mantheri, on Wednesday received the Speaker of the Senate of Canada, the Honourable George J Furey, QC and his accompanying delegation.

The meeting included the ViceChairmen of the State Council, members and the Canadian Ambassador to the Sultanate.

The purpose of the visit was to renew and strengthen relations between the two countries by promoting the establishment of an ongoing parliamentary dialogue and future parliamentary exchanges. The visit provides opportunities to discuss cooperation in various avenues and issues of common interest.

The State Council chairman welcomed the delegation, and he indicated that Oman was very positive about strengthening bilateral ties between Oman and Canada. The chairman highlighted the educational linkages between Oman and Canada and said that students from Oman are pursing academics in Canada. This has prepared them to contribute to national growth.

He added that the exchange visits have greatly enabled dialogue and fostering inter-parliamentary collaboration between Oman and Canada.

The chairman briefed the visiting delegation about the evolution of the Blessed Shura march that has vitalised the nation through remarkable development and has touched every aspect of citizen life. He detailed the institutional functions and role of the Council. He detailed the articles of the Basic Law that enable the State Council to participate in the Budge approval, the five-year national plans and be intensively involved in finding solutions to economic issues.

George shared the pleasure of the delegation regarding the visit to Oman and commended the visible development and progress of the nation. He added that Canada looks forward for further enhancing the linkages by promoting parliamentary diplomacy to further enhance the economic and social ties. He said there was a huge potential for cooperation in different sectors for mutual benefits of both the countries.