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New ministers look to work towards Oman’s Vision 2040

23 Aug 2020 By SHADDAD AL MUSALMY

Several ministers, who were appointed last week, took to Twitter to express their appreciation of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik when he issued Royal Decree 111/2020 for the formation of the new Council of Ministers. They were grateful for the trust placed on them and promised to work towards Oman’s Vision 2040. 

Significantly, most of Oman’s new or reappointed ministers have decades of experience and the new cabinet is also notable for consolidating 27 ministries down to 21 with the focus on the economy and the ‘Vision 2040’ development initiative. 

Most of the institutions that underwent top-level changes are related to the economy, including the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, and the Ministry of Labour. 

Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, the new Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, said, “I offer to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik the deepest thanks and gratitude for his confidence in me. I will work to achieve Oman’s Vision 2040, as this is the desire of His Majesty the Sultan.” 

He added, “I seek support and encouragement from all, and ask God to help me perform the duties entrusted to me, so that I fulfil them in the manner that is appreciated and satisfies the conditions of service.”  

Dr Khalfan bin Said bin Mubarak al Shu’aili, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, also thanked His Majesty the Sultan for his trust.  

“With the highest gratitude, I am honoured to present to His Majesty my thanks for his Royal and generous confidence. I hope Almighty Allah will give me the maturity and confidence to fulfil my duties, and turn into reality the vision planned for the good of Oman and its people,” he said. 

Other new ministers anticipated intense work in the coming days. “We thank Allah for the high confidence of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, and we ask God for success in our service to Oman, its Sultan and its people, so that we may serve them to the best of our abilities, and better. A lot of serious work is ahead of us, and we will, God willing, work on integration with everyone so that they may serve and elevate this country,” said Dr Mahad bin Said bin Ali Ba’owain, who was appointed as the Minister of Labour. 

Laila bint Ahmed bin Awadh al Najar, Minister of Social Development, said, “To His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, I extend my highest thanks and gratitude. I thank him for his high level of confidence in me, and pledge that I will be sincere in our service to our dear Oman. May God protect Oman, and His Majesty the Sultan.” 

The changes include swapping of responsibilities among some institutions. The Ministry of Heritage and Culture gained the tourism portfolio but lost the culture portfolio to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, resulting in a Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and a Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth. 

Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, who has been appointed Minister of Heritage and Tourism, said, “I am extremely grateful to His Majesty for showing in me the highest confidence, and ask God to grant us success in honouring the trust put in us in order to preserve and advance the achievement of the country in line with its national hopes, ambitions and goals.”  

On the international front, the new foreign minister, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidi, is expected to continue Oman’s policy of neutrality. “Thanks to everyone who sent me their kind and generous congratulations. To earn the Royal confidence which saw me appointed as Foreign Minister is truly an honour.”  

 

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