MUSCAT: The tenth edition of the "Basic Pillars Guiding State Public Policy" programme, titled "Economic Diplomacy," commenced on Sunday at the headquarters of the Foreign Ministry.
The programme features the participation of several officials and specialists from various government entities and will continue until the 25th of this month.
The opening of the programme was held under the auspices of Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali al Harthy, Under-Secretary of the Foreign Ministry for Political Affairs.
Organised by the Ministry of Labour in cooperation with the Foreign Ministry, represented by the Diplomatic Academy, the programme comes within the framework of national efforts aimed at enhancing awareness of the state's strategic directions, consolidating an understanding of national priorities, and empowering national cadres to actively contribute to achieving the targets of Oman Vision 2040.
Choosing "Economic Diplomacy" as the theme for this edition reflects the growing prominence of economic dimensions in international relations and the pivotal role that economic diplomacy undertakes in supporting sustainable development and enhancing the competitiveness of the national economy. This is achieved through attracting investments, building local and international partnerships, and opening new horizons for economic and commercial cooperation, as well as transferring modern knowledge and technologies and utilising them to support growth and economic diversification trajectories.
In his speech during the opening of the programme, Shaikh Humaid bin Ali al Maani, Head of the Diplomatic Academy at the Foreign Ministry, affirmed that the programme represents an important national framework for understanding the foundations upon which the state's public policies are based. It also embodies the strategic vision that guides various political, economic, social and developmental sectors.
He explained that the programme aims to consolidate a set of principles and pillars upon which the decision-making process is founded. At the forefront of these is achieving a balance between economic development and social stability, reinforcing the principles of justice and equality, and consolidating the rule of law, thereby contributing to building a prosperous and stable society capable of keeping pace with regional and international changes.
He pointed out that these pillars stem from a comprehensive vision that places the human being at the core of the development process. They seek to strengthen national unity and consolidate the values of tolerance, coexistence and cultural diversity, ensuring the preservation of the national identity and enhancing the spirit of belonging and shared responsibility toward the nation and its achievements.
He added that the importance of the programme is not limited to internal aspects only, but extends to the external dimension by enhancing cooperation with regional and international partners and developing bilateral and multilateral relations in a manner that supports national interests and elevates the Sultanate of Oman's standing on the international stage.
The Head of the Diplomatic Academy at the Foreign Ministry clarified that the basic pillars of the state's public policy are based on a set of fundamental principles. These include reinforcing the rule of law and the application of justice, achieving sustainable development in its various economic, social and environmental dimensions, and consolidating national unity along with the values of tolerance and coexistence. Furthermore, they involve expanding areas of regional and international cooperation in a way that serves development goals and enhances the Omani presence in international forums.
He emphasised that achieving these goals requires the concerted efforts of various state institutions, working with a spirit of partnership and shared responsibility, and adhering to the highest standards of efficiency and transparency. He noted that the success of public policies depends on the ability to anticipate changes and deal with them with flexibility and competence, keeping pace with the aspirations of society and responding to future challenges.
Dr Mohammed bin Mustafa al Najjar, Director-General of Training at the Ministry of Labour, affirmed that economic diplomacy has today become one of the fundamental pillars for enhancing the competitiveness of nations and achieving sustainable development. It is no longer merely a supporting tool for foreign policy but has transformed into a strategic pathway that contributes to supporting economic growth, diversifying income sources and strengthening international partnerships.
He explained that economic diplomacy represents a bridge connecting politics and economics. It contributes to investing in international relations to serve developmental goals, opening new markets and opportunities and enhancing the attractiveness of the investment environment. This reflects positively on the national economy and bolsters its ability to confront global challenges and changes.
He added that building local and international partnerships is not limited to attracting capital and investments; rather, it also includes the transfer of expertise, knowledge and modern technologies, the development of national capacities, and raising the efficiency of various economic sectors. This supports sustainable development trajectories and enhances the competitiveness of the national economy. — ONA
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