Muscat – President Gen Joseph Aoun of the Lebanese Republic arrived in Muscat on Tuesday on a two-day official visit to the Sultanate of Oman.

His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik led the welcoming party for the Lebanese President. His Majesty the Sultan met the guest at the foot of the aircraft ramp, welcoming him and wishing him and the accompanying delegation a successful visit and a pleasant stay.

Alongside His Majesty the Sultan, President Aoun was received by H H Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, Sayyid Khalid bin Hilal al Busaidi, Minister of the Diwan of Royal Court, Gen Sultan bin Mohammed al Nu’mani, Minister of the Royal Office, Sayyid Hamoud bin Faisal al Busaidi, Minister of Interior, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, Dr Mahad bin Said Ba’owain, Minister of Labour (Head of the Mission of Honour), Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed al Saidi, Ambassador of Oman to Lebanon, officials of the Lebanese Embassy in Muscat and members of the mission of honour.

Then, His Majesty the Sultan and the Lebanese President proceeded to the reception hall, passing between two rows of guard of honour of the Royal Guard of Oman.

After a short stay, the motorcade of His Majesty the Sultan and his guest left the Royal Airport heading to Al Alam Palace for official reception protocols.

When the official motorcade arrived at the internal courtyard of Al Alam Palace, it was greeted by a group of horse riders, to the accompaniment of a mounted military music band. This is followed by the artillery firing a 21-gun salute for the president, while the music band of the Royal Guard of Oman played a welcoming tune.

After that, His Majesty the Sultan accompanied President Aoun to the dais of honour where the national anthem of Lebanon was played.

Thereafter, His Majesty the Sultan shook hands with members of the official delegation accompanying the Lebanese President.

On his turn, President Aoun shook hands with members of the Royal Family, chairmen of the State Council and Majlis A’Shura, ministers and commander of Sultan’s Armed Forces and Royal Oman Police.

President Aoun is being accompanied by an official delegation comprising Youssef Raggi, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Maj Gen Michel Mansi, Minister of National Defence, Ahmed al Hajjar, Minister of Interior, Nizar Hani, Minister of Agriculture, Dr Rakan Nasser el Din, Minister of Public Health, and Brig Gen André Rahal, Advisor to the President.