A symposium on strategic issues themed “We Communicate for a Firm National Identity” was concluded at the National Defence College (NDC) of the Academy for Strategic and Defence Studies today under the patronage of Dr. Abdullah Nasser Al Harrasi, Minister of Information.
In a statement, the Minister of Information underscored the role of the symposium and the importance of soft power, which is one of the current issues in various countries of the world.
He added that the Sultanate of Oman is a country enjoying rich components of soft power. It is a country founded from the deep history that boasts a well-defined, historical, civilized identity. It is a country with rich details of social life and historical symbols in various political, cultural, intellectual, jurisprudential and literary fields.
All these elements, in addition to the life of society, the diversity of Omani environments, and the rest of the elements in relation to the man and his presence, Dr. Abdullah elaborated, have been constituting points of attraction for other nations.
The minister pointed out that the symposium held by the National Defense College is distinguished by its exploration of the details and components of the Omani soft power. He stressed the importance of the utilization of such soft power to achieve national goals through clear-cut criterion, performance indicators and precise identification of the requirements for the implementation of this strategy.
Rear Admiral Ali Abdullah Al Shidi, NDC Commandant, delivered a speech in which he said: “This symposium revealed and confirmed that this great country throughout its ancient and honourable history was an active civilized center in the region, and our relations and connections with the world extended from early stages succeeded by great leaders who forged for this country a unique approach of politics, diplomacy, and originality. The customs and traditions of the Omanis; people and governments, generation after generation, have contributed to the establishment of the unique, balanced Omani identity which has always been a source of acclaim, thanks to ancestors. Hence, we must all work together to complete the process of nation building with great vigour, an ambitious spirit, and a renewed thought.”
Themes of the symposium were reviewed during the briefing presented to the chief guest, attendees and participants.
The attendees watched a visual presentation on the activities, initiatives and activities of the symposium. Then, a number of participants of the 10th session delivered the final presentation highlighting the recommendations and innovative solutions that they reached through analysis and meaningful discussion, which came out with solutions and initiatives that can be implemented and applied. Discussions were held on the initiatives presented during the symposium to come out with the major envisaged goals.
The closing ceremony of the symposium was attended by Vice Chancellor of the Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), the Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs, Chief of Staff of the Sultan’s Armed Forces (SAF), commanders of SAF, members of the State Council, officials, senior officers, members of the NDC Board and Guidance Authority.
Source: Oman News Agency