Tuesday 11 / February / 2025
Muscat: Several Sultanate’s embassies across the world celebrated Oman’s 46 Glorious National Day on Thursday.
In Beijing, Shaikh Dr Abdullah bin Saleh al Saadi, Sultanate’s Ambassador to China, held a reception at Hotel Westin to mark the National Day. The reception was attended by Qian Hong Shan, Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister, and a number of Chinese Foreign Ministry officials. Officials from other Chinese ministries, civilians and military personnel, heads of Arab diplomatic missions and several heads of Foreign missions and representatives of the media were present.
A number of academicians from Chinese Universities and former Chinese ambassadors to the Sultanate were in attendance in which Omani students in China too participated.
An exhibition of paintings and photographs featuring Omani culture and heritage was organised on the occasion. A documentary film in Chinese about the Sultanate, that was screened, came in for praise.
In Seoul, Sultanate’s Ambassador to South Korea Mohamed Salim al Harthy, held a reception at Hotel Four Seasons. The guest of honour, the Korean government, was represented by the Foreign Ministry spokesman and deputy Secretary of State for Foreign Relations.
The ceremony was also attended by former foreign minister, a number of government officials, members of parliament, heads of Arab and foreign missions, the private sector representatives and the Korean media. Some university professors and representatives too attended.
Ambassador Al Harthy, while welcoming the gathering highlighted the blessed Renaissance and the Sultanate’s progress under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos.
In reply, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Korea highlighted the good relations that bind South Korea and Oman. He traced the ties dating back to hundreds of years and Sultanate’s prowess in the sea. He said the Sultanate has regained its glory during the reign of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos.
On the sidelines of the celebration, a photo exhibition titled “Features of the Oman” was held.
A documentary film “Oman — building and development,” was screened as the invitees enjoyed Omani hospitality.
In Vienna, Shaikh Dr Badr bin Mohammed bin Zahir al Hinai, Sultanate’s Ambassador to Austria and its permanent delegate to the International Atomic Energy Agency, hosted a reception at the Grand Hotel. The ceremony was attended by about 300 people including a number of Austrian officials from various government departments, Ambassador Dr Ulrike Tilly, head of the Middle East Department, and Ambassador Dr Bettina Kirenbaur, Chief of Protocol Department, and a number of officials of the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Also in attendance were Hilda Havlicek, President of the Austrian-Omani Society, and a number of officials from several official bodies in Austria.
Arab journalists working in the Austrian media were also invited. A concert was organised on the occasion highlighting Omani culture and tradition.
In Tashkent, Sultanate’s Ambassador to Uzbekistan Mohammed bin Said bin Mohammed al Lawatiya, hosted a reception.
The ceremony was attended by a large number of high ranking officials and heads of several Arab and Muslim diplomatic missions in Uzbekistan.
Academicians and a number of business leaders in Uzbekistan were also present. A short film about the tourist attractions and cultural and heritage of Dhofar was screened.
In Nicosia, Oman’s Ambassador to Cyprus, Shaikh Ahmed bin Salim al Shanfari, organised a reception at Hotel Hilton highlighting the blessed Renaissance led by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos.
Cypriot Defence Minister Christovoros Vukaaides, representative of the Cypriot government, was the guest of honour. Cypriot Minister of Health Dr George Bamburides, and former foreign minister, and heads of religious communities, attended the event.
Cypriot University professors and Omani students in Cyprus were present.
Meanwhile, in Bangkok, Sultanate’s Ambassador to Thailand Abdullah bin Saleh bin Ahmed al Maimani, held a reception at Hotel InterContinental Bangkok.
Several high ranking personalities from the public and private sectors in Thailand were invited. A large number of members of the Arab and foreign diplomatic corps, international organisations and Omani citizens in Bangkok, attended the event.
In Manila, Sultanate’s Ambassador to the Philippines Munther Mahfoudh Salim al Mantheri, held a reception at Dusit Hotel in Manila.
The ceremony was attended by Ariel Abadilela, Under-Secretary for International Economic Relations in the Foreign Ministry, and a number of members of the diplomatic corps, Ambassadors and diplomats from friendly countries and businessmen attended the ceremony.
A special programme highlighting the achievements, growth and development of the Sultanate, in addition to the Omani arts was held.
