Muscat: The State Council devoted its fifth ordinary sitting of the first annual session of the seventh term on Tuesday to pay rich tributes to late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos.

At the beginning of the session, Al Fatiha was read to the spirit of the late Sultan — may God have mercy and blessings on him.

HE Dr Yahya bin Mahfoudh al Manthri, State Council Chairman, started his speech by stating that the session was devoted to the memory of HM Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

He said: “I am honoured to present this eulogy, which expresses our overwhelming feelings and sadness, which we are bearing with patience.

“On the morning of the first day of the loss, the Omanis, led by Royal family members, were able to agree on the candidate referred by the late Sultan. His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik received the recognition of the late His Majesty in front of others.”

He added: “Omanis have proved to be authentic and generous people and Oman is a great nation having rich heritage, history, culture, values and principles that have shaped its identity since ancient times. Immediately after overcoming the colossal loss, the nation pledged allegiance to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.

The Council Chairman pointed out that the supreme speech of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik – delivered before the Council of Oman were words of memory dedicated to the late

Sultan, and the finest expression of loyalty to him, describing him as the dearest and purest man, and that a speech cannot define him and enumerate what he accomplished and built.

He affirmed the best tribute to the late Majesty, is to follow his right path, and to consolidate his steps, which he steadfastly and determinedly made towards a progressive future and preserve what he accomplished and build upon it. — ONA