His Majesty Sultan Qaboos presided over the annual convening of the Council of Oman at Hisn Ash’shumookh fortress in the Wilayat of Manah yesterday. His Majesty delivered a speech thanking the Almighty for the riches with which He endowed Oman. His Majesty the Sultan spoke about the various aspects of the Sultanate’s blessed Renaissance which, he said, continued to achieve the goals of comprehensive development in every field.

From the moment of its dawn, Oman’s Renaissance has taken determined steps to make progress towards modernisation, while at the same time offering equal opportunities for all the citizens of this country without exception or discrimination, thereby enabling them to achieve their aspirations and ambitions and see their hopes realised. This trend, His Majesty said, has been clearly demonstrated by the realities of daily life and the achievements of the past.

They are further confirmed by the wide range of targets the state has set for its future — the targets that are designed to tap the potential of citizens and upgrade their skills and expertise to give them access for greater employment opportunities so that they can, on one hand, achieve economic gains for themselves and their families, and on the other, contribute to their community’s development. His Majesty pointed out that to go the mile for a brighter future of progress, happiness and prosperity, one needs to be armed with a high level of determination, sustained commitment and patience, diligence and persistence.

“We are confident that the people of Oman enjoy many of these noble traits. Their past and present performance bears testimony to this, and we have no doubt that they are capable of building a happy future, God willing,” said His Majesty. Speaking about development projects, His Majesty the Sultan said they are progressing as planned in various parts of the country and in all sectors, particularly in the fields of infrastructure, industry and tourism. Although the government is carrying out most of these projects, we call on investors, citizens and foreigners to participate in them in the interest of all. The contributors will, of course, be provided with all the necessary facilities.

His Majesty reaffirmed his Royal care for Omani women’s participation in the march of the blessed Renaissance. “We have provided them (women) with education, training and employment opportunities and supported their role and status in society. We have also stressed the need for their contribution in various development spheres. We have facilitated this through laws and regulations that guarantee women’s rights and explain their duties to enable them to develop their inner abilities, utilise their expertise and upgrade their skills to build their country and raise its stature among nations,” His Majesty said, adding that he will continue in this path.

In his Royal address, His Majesty the Sultan referred to the Omani Women's Symposium held in Saih al Makarim in the Wilayat of Sohar last month. He noted that the symposium came out with a number of recommendations that he blessed and ratified, including the designation of an annual Omani Women’s Day, to be observed on October 17 every year. The symposium highlighted women’s achievements and explained their contribution in serving their community. It help spread awareness of their role and status and boosted their aspirations.

His Majesty the Sultan urged Omani women to take advantage of all the opportunities being provided in order to prove their ability to overcome obstacles that might come in their way. His Majesty the Sultan said, "last December, the Sultanate hosted the 29th session of the Co-operation Council Summit and presided over many of the council's meetings. It is clear to everybody that we all work towards the realisation of collective action based on achieving mutual interests for the common good of our people and our region. His Majesty affirmed that the Sultanate’s foreign policy is known to all — that “Our policy is built on firm, immutable principles advocating security, peace, and happiness for all mankind.