Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman presented a memorial plaque to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) commemorating His Highness Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham Al Said's visit to the organization's headquarters in Geneva on June 21, 2023.
This wall is a symbolic present from His Highness to the organisation, demonstrating the scope of ties and mutual respect between the Sultanate of Oman and the institution.
It emphasizes three key themes: historical civilization, natural diversity, and a bright future, in an artistic depiction that reflects Omani values, openness to global concerns, and sustainable development.
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion oversaw this project, which included the Omani Society for Arts, which is affiliated with the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth.
This initiative highlights institutional collaboration and confirms Oman's significant role in international forums via art and culture.
Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, stated: "This effort demonstrates the Sultanate of Oman's gratitude for its positive ties with the World Trade Organisation and exemplifies its dedication to promoting cultural communication and dialogue with various countries around the world through art. "
He stated, "This initiative is carried out under the guidance and supervision of His Highness Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham Al Said, who places a strong emphasis on the arts as an effective tool for promoting cultural exchange and building bridges of connection between the Sultanate of Oman and the world. "
The minister emphasized that HH Sayyid Bilarab's backing for this initiative demonstrates his faith in culture's role in solidifying Oman's position on the international stage and highlights the Sultanate of Oman's commitment to presenting a positive image of its cultural and human history.
Sayyid Said bin Sultan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary for Culture at the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth, stated, "This artistic initiative embodies a civilizational, cultural, and artistic dimension that reflects the Sultanate of Oman's vision of using the arts as a bridge for global dialogue and understanding, and a belief in the importance of culture and the arts as a tool for representing national identity in various forms. "
He stated his delight in presenting the commemorative plaque to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion as part of the institutional partnership and cooperation aimed at integrating national efforts to represent the Sultanate of Oman in international forums, promote its national and cultural identity, and disseminate it globally in accordance with Oman Vision 2040.
He said: This plaque, which represents Omani civilization, natural diversity, and a vision for the future, has emphasized the creative talents of young Omani artists while also assisting in conveying the message of genuine Omani art to the World Trade Organization, reinforcing the significance of the arts in promoting cultural and diplomatic links.
According to Idris bin Abdulrahman Al Khanjari, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Sultanate of Oman to the United Nations and other international organisations in Geneva, this cultural initiative represents an important cultural and diplomatic aspect in the Sultanate of Oman's ties with the WTO. It also demonstrates the Sultanate's dedication to the use of human communication via the arts.
Al Khanjari stated his pleasure that this artwork would be permanently housed at the WTO headquarters as a token of mutual gratitude and the deep ties between the Sultanate of Oman and the organization.
The Ambassador stated that the artwork will be displayed in the WTO building's central foyer, known as the Salle des Pas Perdus, which serves as a living museum of pluralism, art, and shared history, with its walls echoing the steps of previous generations of diplomats.
It should be noted that an art contest was planned with the participation of six Omani artists, requiring eight months of continual effort under the supervision of a specialized art committee and in collaboration with appropriate bodies.
The painting by Omani artist Salem bin Khamis Al Salami was honored by His Highness Sayyid Bilarab to represent the Sultanate of Oman and is permanently displayed at the World Trade Organization headquarters, serving as an artistic representation of Oman's cultural identity and global openness.
