Muscat: Oman is committed to fostering closer ties with all countries based on mutual respect and would continue its policy of non-interference in the affairs of other states, the country’s leader Sultan Qaboos Bin Saeed said during his speech at the annual session of the Council of Oman.
"Oman's firm principles are cooperation with all states and nations on the basis of mutual respect, mutual interest and non-interference in the affairs of others as well as our non-acceptance of interference in our affairs by others, Sultan Qaboos said in his speech at Al Hisn Hall in Hay Al Shatti in Salalah.
"Everything has been achieved within a precise balance between preserving the best elements of our heritage, in which we take pride, and the demands of the present day which require us to adapt to the spirit of the modern age," he said.
The road to building a modern state was not easy, Sultan Qaboos said. "There were tremendous difficulties and many obstacles. However, thanks to God's blessings, along with the diligent hard work and dedication by all sections of society - men and women - and for their absolute faith in God's assistance and guidance, we overcame all the difficulties and obstacles," he said. The way the work of nation-building had been envisaged had gone a long way in the accomplishment of goals, he added. "This was made through stable, phased and carefully studied steps that have built the present and paved the way to the future."
He said the pace of social change had made it imperative for the legal and judicial systems to be upgraded and modernised. "Accordingly, the laws and statutes necessary for that purpose were promulgated, culminating in the Basic Law of the State."
Sultan Qaboos, thanking all those who have contributed to the building of a modern state in Oman, also called for remaining vigilant and alert to protect national institutions and interests. He made particular mention of the contributions of the armed forces and the administrative and security services.
He observed that the country’s modern renaissance started taking shape with the Governorate of Dhofar which had witnessed the first steps towards the achievement of its long-term goals.
