Oman, Britain celebrate distinguished ties
LONDON -- Oman and Britain marked their longstanding ties at a grand celebration marking the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Omani-British Association here yesterday.
His Highness Sayyid Shihab bin Tareq al Said, Adviser to His Majesty the Sultan, and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and heir to the British throne, led a number of dignitaries in marking the occasion at Lancaster House.
The two distinguished guests were accorded a traditional welcome by the Second Royal Music and Folklore Band, which performed the Omani Baraa, Shareh and Mardar. The Band had been specially flown in from the Sultanate for the occasion. In a brief address, HH Sayyid Shihab conveyed the greetings of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos to the Association members and other attendees.
He said the Association's activities and achievements over the past three decades had contributed to reinforcing the strong ties linking the two countries. He wished the Association further success in its future endeavours.
On his part, Prince Charles spoke warmly of his ties to the Sultanate of Oman, which he said, enjoys a special place in his heart. Recalling his personal relationship with the Sultanate, which goes back more than 20 years, he said he always felt drawn towards Oman, adding that every time only left him deeply touched by the warm sentiments of the Omani people.
Britain's relations with the Sultanate are the oldest in the Gulf region, and a paradigm of human communication in a materialistic world, the Prince said. He also praised Oman's stunning modernisation during the past 35 years under the leadership of His Majesty the Sultan.
The Omani-British Association, headed by the Sultanate's Ambassador to Britain, was established on January 27, 1976. It was registered in the same month as a charitable institution. From only 86 members at inception, the Association now boasts over 600 members, which includes dozens of Omani and British institutions and companies, as well as individuals from both countries.
The Association's development over the years has mirrored the growth in bilateral relations from the outset of Oman's blessed Renaissance in 1970. Since then, Oman has become an important destination for British investments given the country's sound and stable political environment. Oman is also a key destination for British tourists.
© Oman Daily Observer 2006
