MUSCAT — His Majesty Sultan Qaboos presided over a Council of Ministers’ meeting at Bait Al Baraka here yesterday. His Majesty opened the meeting by thanking the Almighty for the numerous bounties and blessings bestowed on Oman to always remain as an oasis for security, stability and tranquillity. He prayed to Allah the Almighty to support all with success so that the development march in Oman would continue to achieve its envisaged objectives.

His Majesty congratulated the government and citizens on the New Year, hoping that it would be a blessed and prosperous year on this beloved country and its faithful people. His Majesty the Sultan then reviewed the domestic, regional and international situations. On the domestic front, His Majesty spoke of the economic situation of the Sultanate, citing it as satisfactory.

He said that in the light of oil market fluctuations, the state budget for this year will contribute in adding new bricks to what have been achieved, and that the Sultanate is pushing ahead with implementation of its developmental plans. His Majesty commended the good approach pursued in preparing the budget.

His Majesty the Sultan also commended the study prepared by the government on educational output giving his directives for its implementation. He also spoke of a number of other issues that concern the country and citizens, directing the Council of Ministers to take relevant decisions in their respect.

On regional and international issues, His Majesty the Sultan spoke of the situation in Gaza Strip and the aggression the brothers are subjected to there, expressing his deep sadness and sorrow on these developments and their implications on peace, security and stability in the region.

His Majesty urged all Palestinian factions to unite their stand, hoping that the ongoing efforts would find radical solutions to this crisis. His Majesty the Sultan also analysed the existing situation in some countries in the region, praying to Allah the Almighty that peace would prevail in all the countries so that their peoples would enjoy security, stability, directing their potentials for internal development. His Majesty the Sultan gave his directives to the Council of Ministers to continue with their efforts to serve the march of comprehensive development wishing all continuous success. — ONA