MR TEO VISITS OMANI LEADERS IN MUSCAT

Following his visit on 31 Aug to the Singapore Armed Forces Task Group (SAF TG) deployed in the Gulf of Aden, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence visited the Sultanate of Oman from 1 to 2 Sep.

During his official visit to Oman, Mr Teo called on Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers His Highness Sayyid Fahd Bin Mahmoud Al-Said. He also met with Minister Responsible for Defence Affairs His Excellency Sayyid Badr Bin Saud Al-Busaidi and other ministers from the civil service, education, and manpower ministries.

Both sides reaffirmed the warm and friendly relations between Singapore and the Sultanate of Oman. Mr Teo also conveyed Singapore's appreciation for the Omani authorities' support in facilitating the SAF TG, which is currently serving under the ambit of Combined Task Force 151 as part of multinational anti-piracy efforts, to call at Omani ports.

While in Oman, Mr Teo was hosted by the Wali, or Governor, of Quuriyat, His Excellency Sayyid Ahmed Bin Hilal Al-Busaidi, to a visit of the Wadi Daiqha dam and the fishing port in the region of Quriyat. The delegation also joined local officials for an Iftar, the evening breaking of fast during Ramadan held at the dam.

As part of his visit to Oman, Mr Teo also took the opportunity to meet with the overseas Singaporean community in Muscat.

Mr Teo's visit reflects the warm and friendly bilateral relations between Singapore and Oman, which cooperate in various sectors such as trade, infocomm technology, education and culture. In addition, the armed forces of both countries interact regularly at multilateral events such as defence exhibitions and through the exchange of visits.