News: The Business Times -  1 February 2010


SM Goh meets Omani leaders, affirms close ties
By TEH SHI NING
IN MUSCAT, OMAN


SENIOR Minister Goh Chok Tong yesterday met with Omani leaders in the sultanate's capital, Muscat, reaffirming close ties between Singapore and the Gulf state.

During the meetings, Mr Goh said he hoped to 'encourage Singaporeans to strengthen people-to-people ties and explore economic opportunities in Oman'.

Mr Goh, who has played a key role in developing Singapore's relations with the Middle East, arrived in Muscat on Saturday night to begin a six-day official visit to Oman and Bahrain. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Singapore's diplomatic ties with both nations.

He first visited Oman as minister for trade and industry back in 1981, and was last there as prime minister in 2000. Yesterday, Mr Goh met with his host for this visit, Omani Deputy Prime Minister Sayyid Fahad Mahmoud Al-Said, as well as the Omani Foreign Minister Yousuf Alawi.

Both meetings saw 'wide ranging and candid discussions on recent international developments', a statement from his press secretary said. While the Omani leaders shared their perspectives on recent developments in the Middle East, including the situation in Iran and Iraq, and the Middle East peace process, Mr Goh discussed developments in East and South-east Asia.

The Senior Minister said he was 'impressed by Oman's progress over the years', particularly in the way it has been upgrading its 'software' in response to a changing world.

Expressing admiration for Singapore's harmonious multi-racial and multi-religious society, as well as its investment in human capital, Omani DPM Sayyid Fahad said he welcomed more exchanges between Singapore and Oman, adding that there are many opportunities for Singapore companies in his country.

One highlight of Mr Goh's Oman visit will be a launch ceremony of the Jewel of Muscat today. The replica of a 9th century Arabian dhow shipwrecked in Indonesia's Belitung Strait was reconstructed using traditional methods as a personal gift from the Sultan of Oman to Singapore.

It will set sail from Oman next month, and retrace old trading routes to reach Singapore in June or July.

Mr Goh will head to Bahrain tomorrow at the invitation of Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa.

Accompanying Mr Goh on this visit are Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Zainul Abidin Rasheed, Minister of State for Trade and Industry and Manpower Lee Yi Shyan, as well as officials from various government ministries and agencies.


- end of BT article