MUSCAT: Citizens and expatriates from different walks of life lauded the Royal speech by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik calling it 'a mandate for future in liaison with the Vision 2040'.
"The speech was very inspiring in many aspects. It touched on the current genocide of our Palestinian brothers and sisters, which shows the clear stance of our government against oppression. I was also glad to see that four important elements such as AI, economy, social welfare, and Omani identity were addressed too. These four elements represent the top priorities of our nation," Hatim Abdulsalam, a Religious Scholar, said.
Li Lingbing, Ambassador of China to Oman, said Oman has made remarkable achievements in various fields such as economic construction and social development. "The royal speech by His Majesty focused on major issues such as governance of the nation, economic development, people's livelihood, education, and technology innovation, demonstrating his majesty’s long-term strategic vision, superb leadership, and pragmatic style.
I believe that under the leadership of His Majesty, Oman will achieve greater prosperity and development."
Dr Talib bin Mohammed al Balushi, filmmaker said, "Vision 2040 has goals that all those living in the land of the Sultanate of Oman share with us, including expatriate communities. His Majesty the Sultan, may God protect him, confirms his thanks to all the actors from the communities residing in the Sultanate of Oman, respecting their cooperation, efforts, and support for the arts and culture movement between Oman and friendly and brotherly countries."
Abdul Lateef, Governing Body Member and Head of Foreign Investment Committee, Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, MD - Badr Al Samaa Group of Hospitals, said His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s Royal Address marks a pivotal moment, emphasizing a holistic approach to national development.
"Prioritising healthcare, the commitment to bolstering public health infrastructure reflects a dedication to citizens' well-being. The emphasis on other sectors underscores the nation's investment in the future, fostering a knowledgeable and skilled workforce and moving the Sultanate of Oman towards prosperity. The focus on overall economic growth signals a strategic plan for expansion and growth. The comprehensive agenda for many sectors in the Royal Speech aligns with the aspirations of the people, illustrating his kind devotion to a thriving, resilient, and progressive society," he said.
Dr. Abood al Sawafi, Educationist, said the vision and foresight of Oman Vision 2040 that His Majesty shared highlights the nation's commitment to sustainable and inclusive development, as well as combating climate change. "The emphasis on investing in education, research, and innovation, as well as embracing Artificial Intelligence technologies, underscores the nation's forward-thinking approach to growth and development," he said.
A. L Sabarullah Khan, Ambassador of Sri Lanka, said, the speech of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik at was a progressive policy statement. "While reiterating the commitment to a more efficient decentralised local government system, His Majesty outlined the progress in socio-economic and global spheres such as climate, renewable energy and concerns on regional security," he said.
Mahfoodh bin Musallam al Abrawi from the Ministry of Health, said, "The Royal Address is an inspirational speech and an encouragement to one and all. It clearly shows the trend towards diversifying sources of income and not relying on oil alone, as well as decentralising governance which is considered a qualitative leap in accountability. Implementing the social protection system will ensure a decent living for the citizens."
Muhammad Imran Ali Chaudhary, Ambassador of Pakistan to the Sultanate said that both Oman and Pakistan have a similar stance on the Palestinian issue.
"His Majesty gave the oath for the future economic and social development of the brotherly country of Oman which could be emulated by developed and developing countries. We also condemn the brutal Israeli aggression and support the establishment of a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital," he added.
Dr P Mohamed Ali, an Educationist and Industrialist who has been a part of the journey of Renaissance for the last four decades, said that His Majesty's attention to sustainability and climate change, renewable energy sources resonates with sustainability initiatives is greatly laudable.
"The efforts of the government in local community engagement aligns with the university's mission to engage with and serve its local community. Lastly, HM's address to education research and cultural centers as part of all national programs to implement and localize Artificial Intelligence technologies will contribute to making these technologies one of the basic enablers and catalysts for these sectors," Dr P Mohamed Ali added.
Linda Abdulla, Linguistic Expert
I wish Oman and its people more growth and prosperity under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarek as his speech on Tuesday clearly marks yet another year of marching towards progress and prosperity as envisaged in the Vision 2040.
Maggie Jeans, Publisher
I have spent half my life happily in Oman. It is a remarkable, safe, country with far sighted policies and amazing but measured development. These are illustrated in His Majesty Sultan Haitham’s latest speech. I have witnessed much change since arriving in 1990 but Oman retains its integrity and a peacekeeping role which is vital in the region, vital in these turbulent times.
Dr Dilip Kumar Singvi, Medical Expert
We all are blessed to be residing in a country where the supreme leadership is a great visionary. Oman has witnessed tremendous growth in the last 5 decades under the able leadership of HM Said Qaboos and that journey is continuing with same vigour.
Oman is progressing, and what we can draw from the HM thoughts is that , we are marching ahead on vision 2040, with holistic growth, providing opportunity for local talent to thrive, increasing the standard of education and knowledge, using the digital and artificial technology, and also on other hand increasing the revenue generations from other sources like tourism, alternative energy, fisheries, foreign investments.
We expats would also continue to contribute to the country's growth under the benevolence of His Majesty and see Oman reaching great heights.
Mohamad Irzan Djohan, Indonesian Ambassador to the Sultanate.
As the Indonesian Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Yemen, I really appreciate the Royal Speech delivered by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos at the first annual session of the eighth session of the Council of Oman. The essence are includes all the efforts that have been and will continue to be made by the Sultanate of Oman to achieve what has been set out in the Oman Vision 2040. This vision is in line with the Golden Indonesia Vision 2045. Therefore, I will always strive for and continue to improve the cooperation programs that are compatible for both
countries. Hopefully by bilateral cooperation will bring progress and benefits to both countries.
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