The traditional cutting of cake led by Ambassador Nasser Said Abdullah Al Manwari joined by Ambassador Gilberto Fonseca Guimarães de Moura of the embassy of Brazil, Ambassador Mohammed Rida El of the Embassy of Morocco, Ambassador Hisham S.A. Al Qahtani of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, DFA Usec. Eduardo de Vega, Ambassador Ambassador Mohamed Obaid Salem Alqataam Alzaabi of the Embassy of United Arab Emirates, and Deputy Head of Mission Mohammed Ahmed Omer Ba Omar
On Nov. 19, the Sultanate of Oman marked its 54th National Day in a grand celebration held at the Rizal Ballroom of the Makati Shangri-La, Manila. The event, graced by dignitaries, diplomats, and esteemed guests, showcased Oman's remarkable journey of progress and its enduring commitment to harmony—a theme central to the nation's identity.
In his keynote address, the Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman Embassy in the Philippines, Nasser Said Abdullah Al Manwari, highlighted Oman’s rich historical heritage and the achievements of the Renaissance of 1970, spearheaded by the visionary leadership of the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said and now continued by the Sultan and Prime Minister of Oman, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said. "Harmony has always been the cornerstone of our identity," he remarked, emphasizing its role in uniting Oman's diverse peoples and shaping the nation’s foreign and domestic policies.
Deputy Head of Mission Mohammed Ahmed Omer Ba Omar, Senator Mark Villar, and Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman H.E. Nasser Said Abdullah Al Manwari; Nasra Ali Mohammed Al-Wahaibi, second secretary; Deputy Head of Mission Mohammed Ahmed Omer Ba Omar; Makati City’s Ichi Yabut and Vice Mayor Monique Lagdameo; Ambassador Nasser Said Abdullah Al Manwari; and Dwayne Samarista
Oman’s foreign policy, built on dialogue, tolerance, and peace, was a significant focus of the evening. The ambassador expressed grave concern over global injustices, particularly the humanitarian crisis in Palestine, calling for a ceasefire, adherence to international law, and actions against illegal settlements. These remarks resonated with the evening's theme of harmony, underscoring Oman’s advocacy for collective security and justice.
Domestically, Oman’s Vision 2040 roadmap reflects its ambitions for sustainable development, fiscal stability, and empowerment of women and youth. The ambassador also highlighted the country's leadership in clean energy, with investments in green hydrogen projects aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050.
This celebration served as a call to action for global solidarity and dialogue in addressing the challenges of today. Guests left the event with a deeper appreciation for Oman’s dedication to harmony, peace, and sustainable development—a commitment that continues to inspire on both regional and international stages.
Ambassador Miguel Utray Delgado of the Embassy of Spain, Ambassador Álvaro Domingo Jara Bucarey of the Embassy of Chile, and Ambassador Mohammed Rida El of the Embassy of Morocco; Ambassador Huang Xilian of the Embassy of China, Ambassador Yousef Esmaeil Zadeh of the Embassy of Iran, and Consul General Mohammad Issam El-Debs of SyriaAmbassador Agus Widjojo of the Embassy of Indonesia, Ambassador Marat Pavlov of the Embassy of Russia, and his spouse, Mme. Irina Pavlov; Mme. Smt. Vandana Jain with her spouse, Ambassador Shri Harsh Kumar Jain of the Embassy of IndiaManila Bulletin’s Badette Cunanan, Oman Embassy’s Administrative Officer Karen Visoria and Manila Buelltin’sRory Page; Philippine Coast Guard Commodore Ferdinand M. Velasco (Ret.) and wife Ma. Theresa W. Velasco, Deputy Head of Mission Mohammed Ahmed Omer Ba Omar and Philippine Army BGen. Lincoln Francisco T. Tagle (Ret.) Consul Balázs Rátkai of the Embassy of Hungary, Ambassador Niyazi Evren Akyol of the Embassy of Turkey, and Ambassador Christian Halaas Lyster of the Embassy of Norway; Mme. Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy of the Embassy of Vietnam with Mme. Claudia Batacchi and her spouse, Ambassador Mariomassimo Santoro of the Embassy of the European UnionAmbassador Nasser Said Abdullah Al Manwari, DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega, and Deputy Head of Mission Mohammed Ahmed Omer Ba Omar were joined on stage by ambassadors and chargés d’affaires who attended the occasion
