LONDON — The London-based Middle East Online newspaper has hailed achievements made by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said for steering the nation towards the age of modern luxury.

The article published on its website pointed out the achievements made by the Sultanate since His Majesty the Sultan’s accession to the throne in July 1970.

The newspaper said before 1970, Oman’s 300,000 square kilometres were served by less than 10 kilometres of asphalted roads. The Sultanate now has a great network of paved roads and Muscat is filled with manifestations of beauty and civilisation.

The newspaper said His Majesty the Sultan, with comprehensive knowledge of his country’s history, understood not only the role Omanis have played over the centuries but also their potential to transform their land into a thriving and forward looking
nation.

It affirmed that His Majesty the Sultan channelled the country’s human and material resources towards a single goal: development of the modern Omani.

It also pointed out that the achievements made in various spheres are all aimed at realising one noble goal: the building of the modern Omani who believes in God and is committed to maintaining his own identity, while keeping abreast of the technology, sciences, literature and arts of the age in which he lives, and reaping the benefits of modern civilisation in building his country and developing his society.

Building friendship

The newspaper said that while Oman has been engaged in establishing prosperity and progress at home, it has also worked hard to promote peace, security and stability in the Gulf and beyond, through building bridges of cooperation, friendship and common interest with neighbouring countries.



The newspaper affirmed that the Sultanate witnessed thirty nine years of peace, stability and economic prosperity; a testament to the wise and benevolent leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, who transformed the country from what it was to a modern and vibrant nation.

The newspaper also mentioned that from the moment His Majesty the Sultan assumed the reins of power on July 23rd, 1970, His Majesty dedicated himself to the nation and people of Oman. It also added that despite challenges of the past 39 years, His Majesty the Sultan’s commitment has never wavered. His Majesty the Sultan’s firm belief in the future of Oman and its people along with his determination to build a just and democratic system of government, in tune with the realities of Omani society and the demands of the modern age, still holds true. The newspaper added that since 1970, the Sultanate has worked diligently to promote international peace, security and stability and continues to strive for improved relations, closer cooperation and positive dialogue with other nations, in an attempt to contribute to the emergence of a more peaceful, secure and stable states and world order.

It also affirmed that the Sultanate’s candid and straightforward policies are trusted and admired internationally for their consistency. It said that Oman respects international principles, treaties and charters and its credible, unambiguous political stance has helped create conditions for fruitful dialogue between various states and peoples. The newspaper also mentioned that with nearly four decades of enlightened leadership of His Majesty the Sultan, based on far-sighted domestic and foreign policies, continue to yield significant dividends to Oman.