In 2021 the Sultanate of Oman celebrated 50 years since it joined the United Nations in 1971.
Speech by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik
The following is an extract from the first speech given by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik on acceding to the throne on January 11, 2020.
“Oman will maintain its role as an active member of the United Nations Organisation, a member that respects the UN Charter and works with member states towards achieving international peace and security, as well as economic prosperity for all countries of the world. We will build our relations with all countries of the world on the basis of the great heritage left behind for us by the late Sultan, God bless him, a heritage whose essence is based on a commitment to relations of friendship and cooperation with all and on respect for charters, laws and agreements signed with other countries and organisations.”
An historic day
The Sultanate of Oman joined the United Nations on October 7, 1971 at the United Nations' headquarters in New York.
Oman's accession to the United Nations was in line the development vision that was championed by His late Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said both internally and externally, making the Sultanate an oasis of regional and international peace.
Sultan Qaboos bin Said’s vision for the Sultanate externally stems from an openness to the Arab world and the international community and is at the forefront of the major goals that the Sultanate has sought to achieve from the very beginning.
The Sultanate’s accession to the United Nations was marked by the raising of the Sultanate’s flag outside the headquarters of the international organisation in New York.
7 October 1971 – the Omani flag is raised at the United Nations for the first time
HH Tarik bin Taimur Al Said, Prime Minister of Oman (far left) at the flag raising ceremony
Oman's first speech at the United Nations
The first of the Sultanate of Oman at the United Nations was delivered by HH Tarik bin Taimur Al Said, Prime Minister of Oman. This is what he said:
HH Tarik bin Taimur Al Said delivers Oman's first speech at the United Nations
“All members of this august assembly who have made our membership in this organisation possible: I thank you on behalf of His Majesty the Sultan of Oman and on behalf of the people of my country.
The Sultanate of Oman, although it today becomes the youngest member of this international body, has been in existence for 14 centuries and has never during its long history lost its sovereignty of independence. In becoming the one hundred and thirty-first member of the United Nations, Oman has formally and permanently put an end to decades of enforced isolation and oblivion.
I have come here with the hopes of my people in this organisation and their belief that only through strict adherence to its noble principles can peace and friendship be achieved among the nations of this world.
We are a small country, but we shall endeavour to contribute to the best of our abilities towards the realisation of the principles and ideals of the United Nations. The unique importance of the United Nations makes it imperative that every nation should have the right to join it, regardless of the nature of its system or its past. There can be no acceptable grounds for excluding any nation for the purpose of imposing the will of anther upon it.
We have always closely followed the issues brought before this assembly for its consideration and resolution. Often the effectiveness of the United Nations is minimised and its purposes defeated though the rejection by certain member nations of its findings and their refusal to comply with its decisions. Here lies the greatest danger to this organisation and its very usefulness. We strongly believe that no nation should be allowed to challenge the will of the United Nations and that no nation should possess the right to veto its resolutions.
We are an Arab nation, and we stand solidly with our brethren in seeking justice for the Arab causes, especially on the question of Palestine. We sincerely hope that the shameful injustice that has been inflicted on the Arab people of Palestine will not remain a blemish in the annals of the United Nations. In conclusion, let me assure you. Mr President of the full and continuous support the Omani delegation in the execution of your duties.”
Statement of the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres
Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations
“I congratulate the people of Oman on the 50th anniversary of the Sultanate's membership in the United Nations.
Oman holds a distinctive place on the world stage as a trusted mediator, peacemaker and bridgebuilder promoting regional stability – and it has earned the gratitude and appreciation of the international community.
I would like to acknowledge your contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals, including through the Vision 2040 plan; your active support for the equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines; and your efforts towards advancing opportunities for women and young people – the key to sustainable development and social stability.
Let me also congratulate Oman on its election to the United Nations Economic and Social Council for the period 2022 to 2024.
I am grateful for your many contributions to the work of the United Nations over the past 50 years and look forward to deepening our strong cooperation in our shared pursuit of peace, security and prosperity for all.”
Statement of the President of the UN General Assembly, Abdullah Shahid
Abdullah Shahid, President of the United Nations General Assembly
“Today the Sultanate of Oman celebrates the 50th anniversary of its membership at the United Nations.
I extend my warm felicitations to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said, and to the Government and people of Oman as they celebrate this Golden Jubilee. I would like to highlight that throughout its membership, Oman has played a pivotal work in strengthening the work of the United Nations across all spheres.
Especially noteworthy is the important role that Oman continues to play in partnership with the United Nations to bring harmony, stability, and economic prosperity to the Middle East region. Much of Oman’s modern success and prolific engagement at the United Nations can be credited to the vision of the late Sultan His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said.
Under his stewardship, Oman embarked on a path of modernisation and industrialisation at home and positive engagement abroad. Excellencies, friends, we celebrate this momentous occasion at a time when the world faces unprecedented challenges, from Covid-19 to climate change to instability. As we look to the future, I count on Oman’s continued engagement and leadership at the United Nations.
Today, more than ever, we need to work towards restoring hope. Today, more than ever, we have to deliver on our promises to future generations, to secure a world where everyone can thrive in peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet. I look forward to the continued and unwavering support of Oman.
I join all other dignitaries in once again congratulating the people of the Sultanate of Oman on the Golden Jubilee of their membership to the United Nations, and extend my best wishes for continued peace, prosperity and wellbeing into the future.”
Statement of Sayyid Badr Albusaidi, Foreign Minister of Oman
Sayyid Badr Albusaidi, Foreign Minister of Oman
“On this historic occasion in our country’s diplomatic story, namely the 50th anniversary of the Sultanate of Oman’s membership to the United Nations, we would like to recall the principles established by the architect of modern Oman’s renaissance His late Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said – may God rest his soul – which His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik – may God protect him- continues to uphold in our relations with the world.
I am honoured on this occasion to convey my most heartfelt congratulations to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and to salute, with great pride, all those who have carried Oman’s precious flag with loyalty and sacrifice, at home and abroad, in our embassies, consulates and missions all the world over for the past 50 years. In these years Oman entered the modern world to attain a respected position among nations and establish a civilised model for diplomacy, international cooperation and peaceful coexistence.
On this day 50 years ago, the Sultanate of Oman began its modern political and diplomatic journey to join other nations in building a new world that is linked by bridges of friendship, mutual respect and positive cooperation. We adhere to the principles of respect for the sovereignty of states, good neighbourliness, and non-interference in the internal affairs of others.
Throughout history, the Sultanate of Oman has continued its cultural and humanitarian initiatives, through its cultural identity as embodied in its noble people, their tolerant values and ethics, which they practice as an approach and a way of life, and in their dealings everywhere. It is the foundation of all our work and an achievement we are proud of.
Accordingly, we move ahead and advance together towards the future with all its challenges and opportunities. We build on what has been achieved in our country in development, foreign policy and international relations as Oman remains in its esteemed position across the ages and generations.”
