His Majesty the Sultan chairs Council of Ministers meeting
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik today presided over a meeting of the Council of Ministers at Al Baraka Palace.
At the start of the meeting, His Majesty the Sultan gave thanks and praise to the Almighty Allah for the plentiful riches He has bestowed on Oman and its people. His Majesty the Sultan prayed to the Almighty to perpetuate His bounties on this dear country, its citizens and residents, and to endow all with full health and blessings.
His Majesty the Sultan then reviewed domestic affairs and affirmed that the accomplishments made in various spheres at the national level were the outcome of the collaborative effort made by all officials and institutions of the State. In particular, His Majesty commended the positive role undertaken by the government to improve Oman's financial position. He praised the efforts made to curtail the State Budget deficit and achieve fiscal sustainability. This had been reflected positively in economic and monetary indices and by Oman’s global financial rating, despite the adverse international circumstances and the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.
His Majesty explained that the positive results realised at the economic and social level had made it possible for the government to implement a number of programmes and finalise many initiatives and strategic projects.
Upon the approach of the second year of the 10th Five Year Plan, the first leg in Oman Vision 2040, His Majesty the Sultan gave directives to all the departments concerned to exert greater efforts and make them harmonious with the implementation of scheduled plans and programmes. He also urged all departments to address any challenges that might arise and to focus on economic diversification sectors. All departments should follow the implementation and follow-up of programmes to achieve the targets of Oman Vision 2040 and put the national economy on the right track for healthy growth, His Majesty said.
As part of the Royal attention accorded to social matters and the execution of development projects, His Majesty affirmed that the 10th Five Year Plan comprised many development projects with a social dimension (in different governorates), such as schools, roads and social housing. In this context, His Majesty the Sultan exhorted governors to follow up the implementation of planned projects and to coordinate with the relevant departments.
In his review of the progress made during 2021 in the National Employment Programme, labour recruitment initiatives and the efforts exerted in civil and military sectors, as well as the private sector, His Majesty the Sultan emphasised the need to accord more attention to ensuring the continuing employment of jobseekers, particularly young people, in different sectors.
After reviewing the integration of efforts made across different institutions of the State and the report of the State Audit Institution for 2020, His Majesty underlined the need to develop suitable mechanisms to tackle any challenges and to advance the public interest.
Referring to the recent surge around the world in Covid-19 infections with variant mutations, His Majesty the Sultan urged all individuals to adhere to the precautionary measures endorsed by the relevant authorities in order to help protect public health and ensure the sustained operation of institutions of the State as well as private sector establishments.
His Majesty the Sultan also spoke about Oman’s relations with Arab and friendly countries. He expressed his appreciation at the recent active exchange of visits and their positive outcomes. His Majesty underscored Oman’s keenness to promote cooperation with all countries of the world and realise the interests of all.
This is an unofficial English translation of the original Arabic text. To view the official Arabic text, click here.