Represented by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT), the Sultanate of Oman has won the membership to the board of directors of Universal Postal Union (UPU) for the period 2021-24.

Oman’s access to the UPU board was given during the election on the sidelines of the 27th Universal Postal Union Congress held in Ivory Coast last week.

H E Dr Ali Amer al Shidhani, Undersecretary for Communications and Information Technology, MTCIT, affirmed that the UPU members have reposed confidence in the sultanate’s role and active presence in global organisations.

H E Dr Shidhani said that Oman looks forward to contributing effectively in drafting international strategies and policies of posts and electronic trade. Oman also seeks to localise successful experiences in posts and e-business.

H E Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, expressed his happiness on Oman winning the membership. He said that the sultanate’s membership would enable it to “contribute positively to the development of international postal work strategies, embodying its pioneering role, its civilisational heritage and its historical links through times and eras”.

The UPU is a United Nations’ agency established on October 9, 1874. Being the second oldest international organisation, the UPU has 192 members and it is tasked with drafting global posts policies and related services. It sets criteria for posts, courier and other services.