Vital Role of Oman Foreign Policy
Oman is the sole country in the Persian Gulf, with a tradition of independence dating back several centuries. It is included within the Persian gulf area by virtue of the Musandam Peninsula northward at the eastern end of the Arab coast and separating the Persian Gulf itself from the Gulf of Oman.
This country is the long lived dynasity of the house of Busaid. The present Sultan His Majesty Haitham bin Tarik Al Said is successor of his cousin late Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said who died on January 10, 2020.
The Current Sultan and the deceased Sultan were educated from renowned western universities. Their vision, experience and enlightenment is almost same, their thoughts, zeal and enthusiasm for the development of Oman is good sign for her fate
This harmony of thought became clear when after ascending the crown, the new sultan openly declared to uphold the policies specially the peace loving foreign policy of the deceased Sultan Qaboos.
The deceased Sultan was a well versed, educated and acquainted with the needs of the country. During his long course of rule that was expanded at the span of nearly half century, Oman adopted a well balanced foreign policy.
This policy was framed keeping in view the geographical and political realities of the region. Oman undertook the path of impartiality and non alliance. This foreign policy put out Oman from isolation and paved way for good relationship with neighboring countries.
Oman played a vital role in the establishment of regional organization known as the Gulf cooperation Council (GCC). This leads new era of friendship and good relations dawned and all gates were open for Oman to be benefited from the world community.
Oman and Iranian Revolution
The Sultan having a neutral and impartial mind set and hawk eyes on the Gulf affairs denied to convert GCC in any kind of military or economic bloc. He took every possible step to be firm with his policy of non alliance and established good relations with all regional countries even after the Iranian revolution.
It was not an easy job. The Sultanate of Oman was in the most trublent region, this area was shaking with dangers of political turmoil, the conflicting interests of different key players of the region, high sectarian tension were a great challenge for the neutrality and non alliance posture of Oman. The wise and foresighted sultan courageously continued his non allince and impartial behavior. When all regional countries were refraining themselve from revolutionary Iran because they considered this revolution a major threat to them. The time was very difficult for Oman to keep balance in this conflicting situation. The United states of America and Iran were at the edge of war. That alarming situation could not harass the leadership of Oman, the Sultan took a bold decision to visit Tehran to meet Ayatollah Khamenei. During his visit, he assured his impartiality to Iranians and their spiritual leader.
This wise step proved fruitful for good relationship with Iranian leadership, the Iranians hailed the friendly attitude of Oman. By virtue of non alliance and impartiality, the Sultan became a trusted and acceptable for Iran.
This trust and confidence made Sultan to exercise his role to bring Iran and U.S. on the table of peaceful negotiations on nuclear issue. So, as a result of this mediation both countries signed an agreement. Though this agreement lasted for approximately 3 years, but it provided the region a sigh of relief.
Appointment of Crown Prince
In January 2021, Sultan Haitham announced that Oman would appoint a crown prince for the first time. His eldest son, Dhi Yazan bin Haitham, will thus become the sultanate’s first crown prince. The announcement came on the first anniversary of the sultan’s assumption of power.
A second decree established a new law for the parliament, the Council of Oman. It defined the council’s capabilities, membership conditions and their rights and duties, and regulation of everything related to the council’s affairs.
In May 2021, Sultan Haitham directed the government and the private sector to create more than 32,000 jobs to support self-employed Omanis and business owners. The initiative was part of government efforts to boost employment and mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The order also included stipends to create a planned 15,000 private-sector jobs for the next two years and government subsidies for those entering the workforce for the first time.
The conflicts between Gulf Countries, Israel, Saudi Arabia were also lessened by the mediation of Oman. The results of mediation efforts played by Oman resulted in lessen the dangers of war in the most sensitive and strategically important area of the World.
Furthermore efforts of Oman keeping peace in gulf wars, blockade of Qatar by the Gulf Countries and turmoil in neighboring Yemen were deeply appreciated in the World. Now the strong will of the present Sultan to continue the foreign policy of late Sultan is a ray of hope for the World Community.
Oman Vision 2040
Sultan Haitham has taken a direct interest in the rollout of Oman Vision 2040, which will consume four five-year development plans on the path to its full fruition. The first of these, launched in January 2021, outlined ambitious national goals, linked directly to specific executive projects set within strict time frames. They are projects intended to restore the momentum of economic growth and achieve balanced economic and social objectives.
His Majesty has carefully vetted these initiatives, examined their structure, measured their feasibility within the stated time schedules and will monitor their implementation as they are set in motion, adapting them to emerging realities as necessary. Oman Vision 2040 revolves on four main axes. The ‘creative human society’ envisioned will value and enhance education, learning, scientific research, national capabilities, health, citizenship, identity, heritage, national culture, welfare, social protection and youth development.
Conclusion
It is hoped that Oman will play a vital role as an ambassador of peace and justice for the implication of U.N. Charter. The present Sultan is promoting the soft image of Oman to carry on non alliance and neutral foreign policy. The Islamic Republic of Pakistan have strong and cordial relations with the Sultanate of Oman. There are various fields of cooperation between the both countries. They can use their diplomatic capabilities to increase bilateral trade, tourism and military cooperation. If Oman and Pakistan achieve to double their trade and military cooperation this will be a great success.
