Israel Mourns Death of ‘Leader and Friend’ Sultan of Oman Qaboos bin Said

12 January, 2020   |   4 years ago

Jerusalem, 12 January, 2020 (TPS) -- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the State of Israel expressed their condolences to the Omanis following the death of Sultan Qaboos Bin Said who died on Saturday at the age of 79

“I send condolences to the people of Oman, and share in the deep sorrow, on the passing of Sultan Qaboos Bin Said,” Netanyahu stated Saturday.

“About a year ago he invited my wife and I for an important and very moving visit during which he offered his assistance in advancing peace and stability in the region.” He said.

Netanyahu and his wife were invited to visit in October 2018 by bin Said, after lengthy contacts between the two countries. Israel and Oman do not have diplomatic relations.

Netanyahu has repeatedly stated in recent years that Israel has developed good relations with several Arab states. However, this publicized visit was a rarity.

Netanyahu’s visit to Oman was the first Israeli official meeting at this level since 1996 when Shimon Peres made the visit.

“He was an outstanding leader who worked tirelessly to advance peace and stability in our region. Under his leadership, Oman became a significant and advanced country,” the Israeli premier said.

Netanyahu congratulated the new sultan, Haitham bin Tariq, on his appointment “and his remarks that Oman’s foreign policy and its work for peace in the region would continue.”

Israeli Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz stated he “joins the people of Oman in mourning His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.”

”The Sultan was a brave leader and man of peace and reconciliation. He worked extensively for his country and people and the security and stability of the entire region. We share with the people of Oman their grief.”

Katz visited Oman in November 2018.

“The State of Israel participates in the grief of the people of Oman and sends sincere condolences on the passing of the leader and friend, His Majesty Sultan of Oman Qaboos bin Said,” the Foreign Minister stated.