As the Sultanate prepares to celebrate the 42nd anniversary of the Blessed Renaissance, a reminder of its excellent relations with the GCC states comes with the visit of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said to Qatar.

Although a private visit, it reflects His Majesty the Sultan’s constant efforts to nourish relations that exist among the GCC states. Such periodic visits by GCC leaders to each other’s states also remind us how the regional bloc has over the years successfully coordinated its policies on several issues concerning their economies, security, travel, trade, people-to-people relationships and other matters. Such coordination empowers the GCC to take a united stance on a number of international issues apart from boosting relations among its member states.

The success of the GCC’s coordinated position on global matters is a direct result of the regular interaction of its leaders on issues of mutual interest.

Consultation on regional and global matters is an ongoing process, and one that is necessary considering the changing world geo-political scenario.

Since the dawn of the Blessed Renaissance it has been Sultanate’s endeavour to foster friendship with all countries on the basis of mutual respect, mutual interest, non-interference in the affairs of others and non-acceptance of interference by others in its affairs.

The success of this wise policy has given the Sultanate a pride of place among the nations of the world; it has contributed to flourishing relations with its Arab neighbours. One can discern how pragmatic the country’s policy of nourishing relations and bridging cultures is especially when one considers the fact that the world has become a ‘global village’ with the advance of communications technology.

The GCC states are bound by cultural links since ancient times; their endeavours in the present day and age are to continue the development process while keeping cultural traditions alive.

In the midst of all the economic and social development that is taking place in the Sultanate, the light of the country’s rich cultural traditions continues to shine through; we can see examples of this in the peacefulness of the land, the hospitality of Omani people, the architecture of buildings and living styles.

A nation’s heritage and culture is its identity, and for the Sultanate the aim is to not only to sustain these traditions but also make people in other countries aware of them. In fact, with history as a guide we can understand how the Omani sailors have, since ancient times, journeyed to far off lands not only to trade but also bridge cultures and foster friendship.

The process of engaging people of other countries, with the aim of forging friendship, has paid dividends for the Sultanate over the years; it has boosted economic and trade ties and attracted investments in the country’s various economic sectors.

This approach of creating an environment of peace and friendship through dialogue and cultural awareness is a winning formula for the country’s development march led by His Majesty the Sultan whose visionary leadership has brought progress and prosperity for the nation.