Thursday 05 / June / 2025
Muscat : The Sultanate of Oman presented a commemorative plaque to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) commemorating the visit of His Highness Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham Al Said to the organisation's headquarters in Geneva on June 21, 2023.
This mural is a symbolic gift from His Highness to the organisation, an initiative that embodies the depth of bilateral relations and mutual appreciation between the Sultanate of Oman and the organisation.
It highlights three main themes: Historical civilisation, natural diversity, and a bright future, in an artistic representation that reflects Omani values, openness to global issues, and sustainable development.
This initiative was supervised by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, with the participation of the Omani Society for Arts, affiliated with the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth.
This initiative reflects institutional cooperation and affirms Oman's active presence in international forums through arts and culture.
Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, said: “This initiative expresses the Sultanate of Oman’s appreciation for its constructive relations with the World Trade Organisation and embodies its commitment to promoting cultural communication and dialogue with various countries around the world through art.”
He added: “This initiative comes under the guidance and follow-up of His Highness Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham Al Said, who attaches special importance to the arts as an effective tool in promoting cultural dialogue and building bridges of communication between the Sultanate of Oman and the world."
The minister emphasised that HH Sayyid Bilarab support for this project reflects his belief in the role of culture in consolidating Oman’s presence on the international stage and underscores the Sultanate of Oman’s commitment to presenting a bright image of its cultural and human heritage.
Sayyid Said bin Sultan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary for Culture at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, said: “This artistic initiative embodies a civilisational, 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 expressed his pride in presenting the commemorative plaque to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, which is part of the institutional partnership and cooperation supporting the integration of national efforts to represent the Sultanate of Oman in international forums, enhance its national and cultural identity, and disseminate it globally, in line with Oman Vision 2040.
He said : "This plaque, which reflects Omani civilization, natural diversity, and a vision for the future, has highlighted the creative energies of young Omani artists and contributed to conveying the message of authentic Omani art to the World Trade Organisation, thereby affirming the role and importance of the arts in building cultural and diplomatic relations."
Idris bin Abdulrahman Al Khanjari, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Sultanate of Oman to the United Nations and other international organisations in Geneva, explained that this cultural initiative reflects an important cultural and diplomatic dimension in the Sultanate of Oman's relations with the WTO. It also demonstrates the Sultanate's commitment to the approach of human communication through the arts.
Al Khanjari expressed his pride that this painting will remain present at the WTO headquarters as a symbol of mutual appreciation and the strong relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the WTO.
The Ambassador explained that the painting will be hung in a central hall in the WTO building, called the "Salle des Pas Perdus," which serves as a living museum of pluralism, art, and shared history, with its walls echoing the footsteps of generations of diplomats.
It is worth noting that an art competition was organised with the participation of six Omani artists, taking eight months of continuous work under the supervision of a specialised art committee and in coordination with relevant authorities.
The painting by Omani artist Salem bin Khamis Al Salami was honoured by His Highness Sayyid Bilarab to represent the Sultanate of Oman and is on permanent display at the World Trade Organization headquarters, as an artistic blend that combines Omani cultural identity with global openness.
