Muscat: President General Joseph Aoun of the Lebanese Republic arrived in Muscat today on a two-day official visit to the Sultanate of Oman. His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik led the welcoming party for the Lebanese President. Upon the arrival of President Aoun’s jet at the Royal Airport, His Majesty met him at the foot of the ramp, extending a warm welcome and wishing him and the accompanying delegation a successful visit and a pleasant stay.
According to Oman News Agency, the welcoming delegation included HH Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Defense Affairs, Sayyid Khalid bin Hilal Al Busaidi, Minister of the Diwan of Royal Court, Gen. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Nu’mani, Minister of the Royal Office, Sayyid Hamoud bin Faisal Al Busaidi, Minister of Interior, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, Dr. Mahad bin Said Ba’owain, Minister of Labor (Head of the Mission of Honour), Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Saidi, Ambassador of Oman to Lebanon, members of the Lebanese Embassy in Muscat, and members of the mission of honour.
The ceremony continued as His Majesty the Sultan and President Aoun proceeded to the reception hall, passing between two rows of the guard of honor of the Royal Guard of Oman. After a brief stay, the motorcade departed the Royal Airport for Al Alam Palace to commence the official reception protocols.
Upon arrival at the internal courtyard of Al Alam Palace, they were greeted by a group of horse riders, accompanied by a mounted military music band. A 21-gun salute was fired in honor of the visiting President, while the music band of the Royal Guard of Oman played a welcoming tune. Subsequently, His Majesty the Sultan and President Aoun ascended the dais of honor where the national anthem of the Lebanese Republic was played.
Following the ceremony, His Majesty the Sultan greeted members of the Lebanese President’s official delegation. In return, President Aoun greeted members of the Royal Family, Chairmen of the State Council and the Shura Council, ministers, and commanders of the Sultan’s Armed Forces and the Royal Oman Police.
President Aoun’s official delegation includes Youssef Raggi, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Major General Michel Mansi, Minister of National Defense, Ahmed Al-Hajjar, Minister of Interior, Nizar Hani, Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Rakan Nasser El-Din, Minister of Public Health, and Brigadier General Andr© Rahal, Advisor to the President.