CYPRUS AND Oman signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) yesterday on bilateral political consultations.
Omani Foreign Minister Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah came to Cyprus on a one-day visit, becoming the first Omani foreign minister to do so, meeting in the process his Cypriot counterpart Erato Kozakou Marcoullis and President Demetris Christofias.
The two ministers discussed a number of issues, including developments in Syria, as well as hydrocarbon exploration in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
“We have all the desire to further take our relations forward and there are a number of areas in which we can work together,” said the Omani minister, referring to the desire for the Omani Sultanate to enhance its infrastructure.
Marcoullis said the visit constitutes a milestone in bilateral relations.
Referring to the MoU signed, Marcoullis said: “It marks the beginning of a new era in our relations, setting the basis for further cooperation and mutual understanding in the political sphere, conducted through a sincere and constructive dialogue.”
Last April, the Sultan of Oman, Qaboos bin Said al Said, holidayed with a large entourage in a Limassol hotel, reportedly leaving a €3,000 tip for the staff and gold watches for the hotel’s managers.
According to reports, the Oman leader stayed almost a week at the luxury Le Meridien Hotel in Limassol, taking over the fourth and fifth floors of the hotel after arriving in a 200-strong delegation in two private Boeing 747s.
After a tour of Europe, he returned to Limassol in the summer, en route to Oman, resulting in the police chief ordering an investigation after it transpired officers at Larnaca airport had accepted money and gifts from the Sultan without declaring them.
According to reports, Qaboos bin Said al Said wrote out a cheque for several thousand euros for airport police, while higher-ranking officers also received Rolex watches.
The Omani sultan rose to power after overthrowing his father, Said bin Taimur, in a palace coup in 1970. His aim was to end the country’s isolation and use its oil revenue for modernisation and development. The 72-year-old sultan is well known for his generosity.
