Speech of the Sultanate of Oman to G20 virtual summit
The following is the text of the speech delivered by His Highness Sayyid Asaad bin Tariq Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Affairs and Personal Representative of His Majesty the Sultan, delivered to the virtual G20leaders' summit.
“On behalf of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Sultan of Oman, and the people of the Sultanate of Oman,
“We congratulate the friendly Government of the Republic of India on the successful issuance of the consensus final statement of the G20 Leaders' Declaration in New Delhi.
“The statement included numerous proposals and commitments that reflect the G20's mission to enhance financial stability to make globalization beneficial for all.
“The statement also marked significant progress on a wide range of important issues, such as prioritising the environment, implementing sustainable development goals, reforming multilateral banks, improving digitalisation and employment, and strengthening the voice of developing countries in the G20 within global decision-making.
“Perhaps one of the most significant achievements of the G20 Summit and the final statement is the acceptance of the African Union as a permanent member, the first addition since the inception of the G20 at the level of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors in 1999. This addition will undoubtedly enhance the voice of developing countries and the Global South in general.
“The Sultanate of Oman welcomes this new initiative of the virtual G20 Summit, which goes beyond the mere symbolic handover to the next host, Brazil. It will assist in reviewing what the Summit has accomplished and what now needs to be done.
“We renew our readiness to cooperate bilaterally and collectively with the G20 countries on various topics agreed upon in the New Delhi Declaration.
“We also seize this opportunity to express the Sultanate of Oman’s support for the Palestinian cause and the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination on their land.
“Wishing all the best and success to Brazil in chairing the group's work in the coming year.
“Thank you.”