Country Profile
From The Report: Oman 2014
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An ancient maritime power, Oman is open to the world while at the same time preserving a strong sense of tradition and culture. Its numerous land borders and extensive coastline have given leaders a knack for negotiation and pragmatism in foreign policy. The government is making efforts are to respond to the increasing need for employment caused by a rapidly growing population, many which are directed at diversifying the economy and reducing dependence on petroleum resources.
This chapter contains viewpoints from Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said; Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkish Prime Minister; and Boris Johnson, Mayor of London

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Something old, something new: Despite modernising in recent years, the country retains a keen sense of tradition
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An ancient maritime power, Oman is open to the modern world but at the same time preserves a strong sense of tradition and culture. While many countries are moulded by their geography, for Oman this is especially true. In addition to the main part of its territory on the Arabian Sea, Oman also includes the tip of the Musandam Peninsula, which extends into the Strait of Hormuz and is separated from the rest of the country by the UAE. Meanwhile, the Omani territory of Madha, administered by the Musandam…

Viewpoint

Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said on encouraging small and medium-sized enterprises and entrepreneurs
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In recent years, we have spoken of the need to invest in a modern and efficient infrastructure throughout all the sectors of our land, and we are now regularly seeing the fruits of those labours. Better communications, whether by land or sea or air, more advanced technology, further development of our energy resources from which we fund our infrastructure needs, and important services like education and health are helping to improve the lives of our citizens and the expatriate workers whom we welcome…

Viewpoint

Recep Tayyip Erdo ğan, Turkish Prime Minister, on relations between Turkey and the GCC
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Turkey attaches great importance to its relationship with GCC member states and wishes to develop its relations with these countries both on a bilateral level and within the framework of the GCC. We highly value our dialogue with the GCC and wish to upgrade it to a strategic partnership. Turkey acts in close cooperation and solidarity with GCC member states on regional and international issues with a view to contributing to regional peace, stability and prosperity. Our close cooperation at the UN…

Analysis

One from many: The GCC has become a catalyst for collaboration and mutually beneficial development
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At a conference in Riyadh in May 2012, Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al Zayani, the secretary-general of the GCC, addressed the numerous changes that have taken place in the region in recent years. “The new political, security and military challenges – as well as insecurity in the Arab region and the changes in the regional and global forces of power – demand that we look into developing the GCC,” Al Zayani said. “We need to reset the GCC priorities and strategic objectives to empower them to…