Foreign Minister's statement on Omani Women’s Day
Greetings dear colleagues,
It is a great pleasure to be speaking to you on the occasion of Omani Women’s Day.
I want to take a special moment to congratulate the Royal Cavalry Women’s Band for their outstanding performance at the opening ceremony of the T20 Cricket World Cup in Amerat on Sunday October 17. Their performance was witnessed by a global TV audience of many millions, as was the stunning victory of the Oman team which followed.
One year ago, in her first public appearances as First Lady of Oman, the Honourable Lady Sayyida Ahad bint Abdullah Albusaidi remarked that “Omani women have taken their deserved place in public and private sectors and their historic influence has earned them accolades at home and abroad”.
I am proud that this is the case in the Foreign Ministry, which could not excel without the valuable contributions made by women. In this field, the diversity of thought provided by women is vital to connect with people from around the world, and to promote the values of collaboration and harmony among nations. Stationed at home and abroad, our female diplomats represent both the Foreign Ministry and a major component of the Omani national identity.
It was His late Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said who dreamed of a future in which Oman would be synonymous with dialogue, diplomacy, and peace. But it is the team in the Foreign Ministry and those representing Oman overseas who are responsible for the daily actualisation of this dream. Omani women serving as Foreign Ministry staff and at our Embassies and Missions abroad have been leaders in supporting our efforts in promoting dialogue, harmony and peace. Indeed they continue to provide continuous efforts to achieve and develop lasting partnerships and cooperation everywhere.
In every voyage I make overseas and in every international convention I attend, it is clear that Oman, and our Ministry, are characterised by a desire for fair and enduring harmony among nations, and the credit for this lies with you all.
Today I would like to celebrate the women who play a part, no matter how large or small, in shaping the Foreign Ministry. I would like to celebrate those who have sought to create an ever brighter road ahead for our beloved country, particularly regarding Vision 2040, and those who endeavour to strengthen our friendships across the globe.
“Our country, undoubtedly, needs both men and women in its blessed march forward, just like a bird that relies on its two wings to soar high in the sky”, so said His late Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. Together men and women form the wings which will propel us towards a fair, sustainable, and peaceful future, guided today by the wisdom of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, may God protect him. In his speech of 23rd of February 2020 His Majesty said “Citizens’ partnership in molding the country’s present and future is a basic pillar of national action where we hope that women will enjoy their rights as guaranteed by law, and that they will work in different fields along with men, in serving their country and society. We reiterate our continuous patronage of these national fundamentals which cannot be compromised”.
His Majesty's emphasis on the role of Omani women and their participation in the pace of development and his keenness to enjoy their rights, is a guiding beacon to us.
Thank you very much.