Muscat – His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik went on a tour of the Ministry of Defence and the headquarters of Sultan’s Armed Forces (SAF) at Al Murtafaa Garrison on Wednesday. His Majesty the Sultan was received by Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, and Dr Mohammed bin Nasser al Zaabi, Secretary General of the Ministry of Defence. His Majesty the Sultan was briefed about SAF’s units by Vice-Admiral Abdullah Khamis al Ra’eesi, Chief of Staff of SAF

During the tour, His Majesty the Sultan was presented a gift by Sayyid Shihab. His Majesty the Sultan also posed for commemorative photos with top officials and senior commanders in the Ministry of Defence and SAF.

Later, His Majesty the Sultan visited the Joint Operations Centre (JOC) at the SAF headquarters.

Upon his arrival there, His Majesty the Sultan received a military salute from a guard of honour and heard a briefing about the facilities and capabilities of the JOC, as well as the tasks entrusted to it. The briefing was delivered by Brig Abdulaziz bin Abdullah al Mantheri, Assistant Chief of Staff of SAF for Operations and Planning.

Then, His Majesty the Sultan heard a briefing about the Maritime Security Centre (MSC) and the tasks and responsibilities entrusted to it. The briefing was delivered by Cdre Mohammed bin Hamoud al Zedjali, Commander of MSC.

During his visits to the JOC and MSC, His Majesty the Sultan posed for commemorative photos with senior officers of the headquarters, divisions of SAF and other administrative units of Ministry of Defence.

The Royal visit reflects the attention accorded to personnel of the Ministry of Defence and the SAF by His Majesty the Sultan. It also affirms the Supreme Commander’s strong faith in the significant roles of the Ministry of Defence and the SAF in safeguarding the gains of the homeland, as well as their role in fostering domestic development alongside other government institutions.