London: The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Information, Oman 2040 Vision Follow up Unit and Oman Embassy in the United Kingdom, hosted the Foreign Press Association (FPA)’s annual awards ceremony "Press Oscar” here on Tuesday.
Dr Abdullah Nasser al Harrasi, Minister of Information, said in an online speech that His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik considers youth as "the wealth of nations and its inexhaustible resource” and that "Oman is a country in transformation” across different development sectors.
Dr Abdullah added that Oman attaches great significance to its "close, Royal, diplomatic and cultural relationship with the UK” and values the role of the FPA, the oldest media organization of its kind in the world, founded in 1888.
The minister affirmed that the Sultanate of Oman is pressing ahead with its economic diversification programme (Oman Vision 2040). "We are pushing forward with an ambitious programme of diversification, our Vision 2040, to build a sustainable economy for future generations. Our future will be powered by innovation,” he explained.
In the same context, Dr Abdullah said that "Oman is a land of opportunities for investors seeking stability and prosperity in the Middle East. It is a trusted, open and innovative business partner, as well as a gentle facilitator on the diplomatic stage”.
The minister highlighted Oman’s drive to become a global leader in renewable energy, given the abundance of resources. "We are striving to be a world leader in renewable energy technology. We are blessed with an abundance of solar and wind,” said Dr Abdullah.
He also laid emphasis on Oman’s strong potential to effectively contribute to the growth of the regional and international economy, thanks to its long coast line and deep-rooted maritime history. "We are attracting discerning tourists from all over the world, said Dr Abdullah, who underscored Oman's preparedness to receive tourists from different countries of the world due to the country’s pristine beaches, hills and dells and great diversity of wildlife and marine resources.
Kate McCure, President of FPA, and Deborah Bonetti, Director of FPA, hailed the Sultanate of Oman’s support for the local and international press.
FPA member Robert Moore won the Best Journalist Award 2021. Moore saw Oman’s hosting this year’s FPA Award Ceremony as a message that reflects the importance of promoting journalism and extends all necessary means of empowerment of journalists to enable them to practice their profession.
By hosting the FPA celebration in London this year, the Sultanate of Oman seeks to showcase Oman Vision 2040 and the country’s tourist, economic, investment and cultural resources. --ONA
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