Tuesday 25 Shawwal, 1428 AHCorresponding to 6th November 2007:
In the name of God, the compassionate, the Merciful.Praise be to God who ordained Shura (consultation) as a path for his worshippers, and may blessings and peace be up
on his servant and messenger, Prophet Mohammed, his family, companions and followers. Honourable Members of the Council of Oman,
Dear Citizens,
In the name of Almighty, the generous, the giver and guide to the right and straight path, we open on this blessed day and with God’s guidance, the 4th Term of the Council of Oman, praising the Almighty for the bounties and favours he has bestowed upon us. We thank God in our hearts and publicly in a way that qualifies us to achieve more progress, prosperity, security and stability, he is the hearer of our prayers.Oman’s eventful years of experience in the practice of Shura have succeeded in establishing the concepts of joint action and mutual co-operation between the country’s citizens and the state’s administrative institutions. Moreover, the great efforts made by the State Council and the Majlis A’Shura – in preparing economic and social studies, reviewing laws and regulatons and putting forward recommendations and proposals on issues of concern to society, with the aim of improving it and providing it with the means to enable every section of it to achieve progress – have had a tangible effect on enriching this national enterprise.We have followed with great attention this blessed march and carefully monitored its developments and we look with satisfaction at the way this experiment is progressing on the path of rapid growth - a growth that constantly reinforces its foundations and pillars, and which further consolidates the values and principles for the sake of which it was established.We have great faith in the steady progress achieved by the Sultanate in all fields – praise be to God – and in its ability to keep abreast of the modern age in a well-planned and measured manner while keeping a constant eye on the future. Accordingly, we expect the Council of Oman in general, and the Majlis A’Shura in particular, to take on more comprehensive responsibilities in the fields of economic and social development. In doing so, we hope that the experience gained will provide an impetus for further beneficial and constructive action in serving this dear nation, which is resolutely engaged in building its present, while looking towards its future, in the light of the ever-increasing demands and established realities of the modern age. Accordingly, we shall urge our government to raise and intensify its contacts with the Council of Oman in order to enable it to carry out its duties and tasks in the best possible manner.Honourable Members of the Council of Oman…It gave us pleasure to see the Shura Council’s 6th Term election being conducted in a well-organised manner, thereby ensuring that it ran smoothly and easily in an atmosphere of calm and security. It was clear evidence of the citizens’ awareness and their commitment to the values and principles of this decent, upright society.We highly appreciated the huge turn out of all citizens, male and female, to practise their right to choose their representatives in the Shura Council in the way we mentioned, and for that we thank God for granting us success.Honourable Members of the Council of Oman…Dear Citizens…The features of our domestic and foreign policy are clear. We work for construction and development at home, and for friendship and peace, justice and harmony, coexistence and understanding, and positive constructive dialogue abroad. That is how we began, that is how we are today and that, with God’s permission, is how we shall continue to be. In so doing, we wish the whole of mankind well-being and prosperity, security and stability, and co-operation in establishing the scales of justice and equity.“Our lord, upon you we depend and rely, to you we submit and to you we return”“Our Lord, grant us mercy from Thyself, and dispose of our affair for us in the right way”May God grant us success in the pursuit of that which serves the common good, and may peace be upon you and the mercy of God and his blessings
