By Betheena Kae Unite
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Saturday expressed its condolences to the Government of the Sultanate of Oman on the demise of Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the longest-serving Arab leader.
Department of Foreign Affairs (MANILA BULLETIN)
The Department of Foreign Affairs conveyed “its deep condolences” to the Omani government, which declared a three-day of national mourning for their leader, who ruled Oman since 1970. He was 79.
“Oman, under the stable leadership of His Majesty, has been a leading player in promoting peace and security in the Middle East. It is likewise a benevolent host to thousands of Filipinos who have made Oman their second home,” the DFA said in a statement.
“The Filipino people join the Omani people in mourning the death of Sultan Qaboos,” the agency added.
Qaboos started to rule Oman at the age of 29 in a bloodless coup against his father. He was known for his efforts in pulling his country from poverty to development using oil wealth.
Sultan Qaboos was unmarried and had no designated successor, leaving the Government of Oman to choose a new sultan within three days. In an event of failure to select a new sultan, a sealed letter written by Qaboos bearing his choice of successor will be opened.
Read more: Oman’s Sultan Qaboos dies: state media