MUSCAT - Dr Noel Guckian, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to the Sultanate, commended the tremendous development and achievements of the Sultanate in 40 years and hoped for continued success and sustainable development in the future. On behalf of Queen Elizabeth II and the people of the UK, the ambassador sent hearty congratulations to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos and the people of Oman on the occasion of the 40th National Day.
In an interview with the Observer, the ambassador said: The strong links between the Royal families and the visit of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to the Sultanate during the 40th anniversary period is a clear indication of the UK's commitment to Oman. Likewise, on occasion of the Sultanate's 40th National Day anniversary, the UK has come up with a specific initiative to offer 40 British Scholarships for Oman (BSO), the ambassador noted.
"The BSO, in partnership with the British Embassy, are running a scheme known as "40 for 40" as a gift to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. Under this scheme 40 scholarships are being given to young Omanis to study higher education courses in Omani higher education colleges which have a connection with UK educational institutions. The scheme is supported by relevant authorities both in the UK and the Sultanate, including the Omani Ministry of Higher Education and the British Council.
"As President of BSO I heartily recommend the scheme as a way for the wider British community in Oman to give something unique to this country on the occasion of the 40th anniversary. This is a real opportunity to make a difference to the lives of individuals as well as supporting a significant British-led initiative to assist in the development of Oman," said the ambassador. Currently, education is a key branch of the UK-Oman partnership and co-operation. Over 20 UK universities and higher education institutions have either affiliates or programmes running in Oman.
In 2008 there was an increase of about 42 per cent in the number of Omani students studying in the UK. Around 2,000 students go to the UK for higher studies each year -- the highest number of Omani overseas students outside the Arab world, he stated. Likewise, in June 2009, around 900 Omani teachers of English in state schools completed a Leeds University graduation programme taught in Oman. The majority of Omani English teachers in state schools have a British degree. Besides, The British Council in Oman enjoys a high reputation and conducts several socio-educational and cultural programmes which promote bilateral ties.
Oman's commitment to education and health are two of the most important aspects of the last 40 years. Oman is fortunate to have oil and gas reserves but the only truly sustainable resource looking into the future is a nation's human capital. A well-educated and healthy workforce enables countries to flexibly respond to changes in the world, including the tough economic challenges that all of us face. Dr Guckian said: "Ties between the UK and Oman stretch back over a long period and our relationship continues to be one of the strongest in the Gulf region. As maritime trading nations our early links were based on commerce, with the first trade treaty signed in 1646.
"On the diplomatic side treaties of friendship were signed in 1798, 1800, 1891 and 1951. The 1800 treaty stated that friendship between the two countries should endure till the end of time or the sun and moon cease in their revolving careers and this sentiment was echoed by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in a speech during the 1982 state visit to the UK by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. The result of this long and close connection is that the links between the two countries are not simply formal links between governments, instead it is a relationship between the two peoples".
In addition to being one of the largest foreign investor in the Sultanate with substantial investments in a number of areas, British businesses and citizens are making a real contribution to the Sultanate's development, and more is planned. Presently, around 7,000 British citizens live and work in the Sultanate -- the largest Western expatriate group in the country. Similarity, many Omanis have houses or business interests in the UK and see the UK as a second home.
Maryam Khalfan
© Oman Daily Observer 2010
