HM the Sultan congratulates new German Chancellor
Muscat: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik has sent a cable of congratulations to Friedrich Merz, on electing him as a new Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany.
In the cable, His Majesty the Sultan expressed his sincere sentiments and best wishes of success to Chancellor Merz in realizing achievements that meet aspirations of the German people. His Majesty wished the cooperation and partnership relations between Oman and Germany further expansion in various spheres.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Times of Oman
5 hours ago
- Times of Oman
IMF expert mission commends CBO's transparency practices
Muscat-- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has issued and published a report on the transparency of the Central Bank of Oman (CBO) based on the IMF's best practices for central bank transparency (CBT). The report issued today said that this voluntary assessment was conducted to review the transparency and disclosure practices of CBO, focusing on five key areas, as issued by the IMF: governance; transparency of policies, operations, outcomes and official relations of central banks. This assessment serves to enhance CBO's independence and its relations with relevant stakeholders and facilitates information sharing and intellectual exchange with counterparts. The IMF report concluded that CBO places great importance on transparency in its practices, in line with international best practices. This reflects its commitment to strengthening its role as a critical public institution in the country through a robust transparency framework. The Sultanate of Oman is the first country among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) States to undergo this voluntary assessment and the second among Arab countries. This reflects CBO's commitment to advancing to the highest international standards and practices. During its field visit, the IMF held extensive meetings with stakeholders from CBO and relevant government, private, and civil society organizations to assess its transparency practices and governance frameworks. This ensures constructive dialogue with stakeholders to achieve more effective outcomes in monetary and banking policies. The report's most prominent findings indicate strong governance and a sound legal framework. The CBO has a strong legal framework for internal governance, with a clear legal structure and broad powers, which enhances decision-making and accountability. The report also highlights the monetary policy transparency as the CBO ensures transparency in monetary policy and the stability of the financial system through cooperation with other financial institutions in the country, as well as through the issuance of regular bulletins and periodicals to ensure effective communication. Additionally, the report spotlights effective financial stability tools as IMF experts found that CBO is focusing on enhancing tools related to the Emergency Liquidity Response (ELA) and macro-financial stability, reflecting its ongoing efforts to improve the transparency of financial system stability management in the Sultanate of Oman. Further, the report underlines commitment to stakeholder communication as the CBO is working to enhance its communication with the public, ensuring that key policy decisions are accessible and understandable, including through its website and social media channels. In addition, the CBO's efforts to strengthen its AML/CFT framework were commended, and the review encouraged it to continue enhancing transparency in its supervisory and oversight practices in this area. It is noteworthy that the IMF issued the "Central Bank Transparency Code" in 2020, reflecting the growing responsibilities and significant expansion in the requirement for central banks to clarify the nature, purpose, and manner of their activities. This allows for a deeper public understanding of the role of these activities in optimally serving their interests, consistent with current mandates, enhancing central bank independence, and enhancing the impact of monetary and banking policies. Accordingly, the CBO has taken into account the recommendations presented by the IMF team and is committed to continuing to enhance transparency in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and international best practices, while considering the local context and national legal framework. The mission provided an opportunity for self-assessment, in conjunction with the CBO's ongoing efforts to modernize its legal and regulatory frameworks. The CBO will develop a plan to implement the recommendations and findings contained in the IMF report, which will contribute to ongoing improvements in the transparency of its operations, practices, and policies to ensure sustainable economic growth.
Times of Oman
9 hours ago
- Times of Oman
Oman's diplomacy is impeccable and indispensable
In a region often defined by volatility, ideological divides, and protracted conflicts, Oman has emerged as a steady and principled force for dialogue and reconciliation. While global superpowers engage in power struggles and regional actors entrench themselves in zero-sum rivalries, Oman has quietly carved out a niche as one of the Middle East's most consistent and reliable mediators. Its latest efforts in facilitating indirect talks between the United States and Iran over Tehran's nuclear programme once again underscore Muscat's indispensable role in preserving regional stability. Unlike global powers such as the United States or Russia, which can afford to disengage from the region at will, Oman does not have that luxury. Geography binds it to the fate of the Middle East. For Muscat, peace is not just a diplomatic preference—it is a national security necessity. Oman does not welcome instability or adventurous activities in its neighbourhood; it seeks continuity, dialogue, and de-escalation. Oman's commitment to peace is hardly new. During the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s, when most Gulf states chose sides, Oman held firm in its neutrality. That stance was not one of passivity, but of foresight. It enabled Muscat to quietly facilitate backchannel communications between Tehran and Baghdad, laying the groundwork for future engagement. This pragmatic doctrine has been a throughline of Omani foreign policy. More recently, in the Yemen conflict, Oman opted out of any regional power coalition's military campaign. Instead, it pursued diplomacy—mediating between warring factions, brokering prisoner exchanges, and hosting discreet talks. For Oman, indeed in real life, there are no winners in war, only shared consequences. Oman does not pick and choose sides, nor does it seek to undermine or confront any country in the region. Today, that same approach is once again at play in Oman's mediation between Iran and the United States. Following the Trump administration's 2018 withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), bilateral relations quickly deteriorated. Sanctions followed. Escalations mounted. At several points, Washington and Tehran stood on the brink of open conflict. Fast forward to 2025, and Oman is once again quietly building diplomatic bridges. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's visit to Muscat this week underscores Oman's unique role in efforts to re-energise nuclear talks. Acting as an intermediary, Oman has helped orchestrate indirect negotiations in both Muscat and Rome—passing messages, conveying proposals, and narrowing gaps. These talks are anything but easy. Iran maintains its right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes, while Washington insists on stringent limits to prevent a potential pathway to weaponisation. Yet Oman persists. Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi and his diplomatic team remain focused on keeping dialogue alive, however incremental, because they believe sustained engagement is better than dangerous silence. What makes Oman a uniquely trusted mediator? First, Oman maintains cordial and balanced relations with virtually all sides. It is one of the few Gulf countries that enjoys trust in both Washington and Tehran without appearing compromised or biased. Oman does not believe in getting entangled in historical rivalries or ideological confrontations—it simply refuses to participate in them. Second, Oman's diplomacy is discreet, methodical, and deliberately low-profile. It does not seek credit, nor does it engage in loud posturing. This discretion has won it rare levels of trust—even among the most secretive regimes. Few knew that Oman hosted the backchannel talks that ultimately led to the 2015 nuclear deal until long after they had concluded. Third, Oman's neutrality is not performative; it is principled. It does not push ideological agendas or exploit conflicts for geopolitical advantage. Rather, its focus is on de-escalation and sustainable outcomes. Oman does not confront or undermine other countries—it seeks solutions, not scapegoats. This principled diplomacy reflects Muscat's broader worldview. Oman clearly sees the emerging global order as one in which pragmatism, restraint, and realism matter more than ideological allegiance or historical grievance. The country's quiet but firm commitment to peace is a rejection of the maximalism that has defined so much of Middle Eastern politics. The belief that only superpowers can resolve complex global issues is outdated. Smaller, nimble states—like Norway, Qatar, and Singapore—have proven otherwise. Oman belongs in this league of quiet influencers. Its methods resemble those of a seasoned diplomat: listening more than speaking, prioritizing substance over symbolism, and acting with discretion over drama. That said, Muscat's path is not without challenges. Mediating between the U.S. and Iran at a time of hardened positions is fraught with risk. The standoff over uranium enrichment remains a serious hurdle, and Oman must navigate this terrain carefully. Moreover, skepticism from regional actors like Israel and Saudi Arabia adds another layer of complexity. Some view Muscat's engagement with Tehran warily. But Oman has never sought to isolate or antagonize its neighbours. Its message is consistent: it will not join military blocs, stoke tensions, or align itself with hardline agendas. At a time when diplomacy is often transactional and strategic patience is in short supply, Oman offers a compelling counter-narrative. It mediates not for prestige, but for peace. It does not flaunt its influence, but exercises it quietly, consistently, and purposefully. Oman's initiatives deserve to be respected and well positioned in the broader regional discourse—particularly at a time when antagonistic, imperialist, and interventionist agendas are no longer valid nor productive in shaping the future of the Middle East. The region no longer rewards coercion and confrontation; it increasingly requires dialogue, trust-building, and restraint. Oman's role as a diplomatic bridge is not self-appointed—it is earned, through years of principled engagement and quiet perseverance. In a region too often shaped by noise and confrontation, Muscat reminds the world that peace is still possible—and that sometimes, the most powerful voices are the ones that speak the least. Bilal Bilici is a Member of the Turkish Parliament, representing Adana province.
Times of Oman
a day ago
- Times of Oman
Who can become an Omani citizen?
To become an Omani citizen, an applicant must meet specific requirements and follow the procedures established by law. Speaking exclusively to the Times of Oman, a representative of Mohammed Ibrahim Law Firm, a leading law office in Oman, explained that applicants must fulfill strict eligibility criteria based on their category. For general foreigners, this includes legally residing in Oman for at least 15 consecutive years, fluency in reading and writing Arabic, proof of good conduct, a stable income, and a formal renunciation of any existing foreign nationality. Spouses of Omani citizens follow different rules. A foreign husband of an Omani woman must have been married for at least 10 years, have at least one child with his spouse, and meet the residency and language requirements. A foreign wife of an Omani man must demonstrate eight years of marriage, have one child, and be fluent in spoken Arabic, said Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Zadjali, Founding Partner of Mohammed Ibrahim Law Firm. Widows and divorcees of Omani nationals have shorter residency requirements (six years for widows, eight years for divorcees), provided they have a child from the marriage and have not remarried a non-Omani. Children of Omani mothers may also qualify under specific circumstances involving custody and residency, the founding partner said. Another spokesperson from the law firm explained that applicants for Omani citizenship must provide various documents, including proof of residency, marriage or birth certificates, health clearance, income statements, and a written pledge to renounce other nationalities. These documents are submitted to the Ministry of Interior, which holds full authority over decisions and is not obligated to provide reasons for rejection. Citizenship matters are handled solely by the Ministry and cannot be challenged in Court. Approval is granted by Royal Decree, based on the recommendation of the Minister of Interior. Dual citizenship is rarely permitted. Once approved, citizenship is permanent unless revoked for fraud or national security concerns. Children automatically qualify through their Omani father, the expert said. (Mohammed Ibrahim Law Firm ([email protected]), (+968 244 87 600) was established 18 years ago and is serving clients through its offices in Muscat and Sohar, as well as operating on a request basis in other areas. It offers legal representation across a wide range of practice areas that include Labour Law, Corporate, Commercial, Contracts, Banking and Finance, International Trade, Foreign Investment, Insurance, Maritime Law, Construction and Engineering Contracts, International Arbitration, Intellectual Property and more).
