MUSCAT : The Arabian Peninsula Center for Studies and Research has affirmed that His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, in the past two years, has strengthened the Sultanate’s position among the countries of the world, and preserved its strategic partnerships.

In a new report published on the website, it has been highlighted that His Majesty has inherited a heavy legacy, a positive aspect related to Muscat’s neutrality towards the region’s crises, its mastery of playing the role of mediation in several files, and a negative aspect related to its economic crises and its dependence on fluctuations in oil prices, and it was greatly affected by the repercussions COVID-19 pandemic.

The report added that during the two years of his rule, His Majesty the Sultan has preserved the legacy of his predecessor, Sultan Qaboos bin Said, may his soul rest in peace, by following a balanced policy internally and externally, especially with his affirmation in his oath speech not to interfere in the affairs of neighbouring countries, and to advance the process of cooperation under the umbrella of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Gulf.

Additionally, the report also points out that from Washington and London to Beijing and Riyadh, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik has worked to consolidate the Sultanate’s position among the major and Gulf capitals, and to preserve its strategic partnerships, without causing a shakeup in its regional and international relations, while activating the policy of positive neutrality.

His Majesty has continued to play a mediating role in vital issues in the region, the most important of which is the Yemen war, sponsoring the negotiations between the Houthis and Riyadh, as well as the rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and the Gulf reconciliation between the Arab Quartet (Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt) and Qatar, which culminated in the Al-Ula statement in January 2021.

The report said that what is remarkable about His Majesty the Sultan’s accomplishments is the qualitative leap he made in the system of government, after changes he made, which the Washington Center for Studies considered a huge and historic step for the country, after he distributed his traditional titles, such as Minister of Defence, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Finance and Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Central Bank to other people, including members of the non-royal family, suggesting that he prefers to professionalize the government, clarify responsibilities, and delegate tasks on a larger scale.