Muscat: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Supreme Commander, went on a Royal tour of the Ministry of Defence and the headquarters of the Sultan’s Armed Forces (SAF) at Al Murtafaa Garrison yesterday.

A guard of honour gave the military salute to His Majesty the Sultan as he arrived at the garrison.

His Majesty the Sultan was received at the premises of the Ministry of Defence by HH Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, and Dr. Mohammed bin Nassir Al Zaabi, Secretary-General at the Ministry of Defence.

On the occasion of this Royal visit, His Majesty the Sultan accepted a symbolic gift presented by HH Sayyid Shihab. His Majesty the Sultan also posed for commemorative photos with top officials and senior commanders at the Ministry of Defence and the SAF.

Then, His Majesty the Sultan listened to a briefing about the Ministry of Defence, delivered by Dr. Mohammed Al Zaabi, and another briefing about the SAF, delivered by Vice Admiral Abdullah bin Khamis Al Ra’eesi, Chief of Staff of the SAF.

Similar briefings were presented before His Majesty the Sultan by Maj.Gen. Mattar Salim Al Balushi, Commander of the Royal Army of Oman (RAO), Air Vice Marshal Khamis bin Hammad Al Ghafri, Commander of the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO), and Rear Admiral Saif bin Nassir Al Rahbi, Commander of the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO).

Later, His Majesty the Sultan visited the Joint Operations Centre (JOC) at SAF headquarters. Upon his arrival there, His Majesty the Sultan received the military salute from a guard of honour and listened to a briefing about the facilities and capabilities of the JOC, as well as the tasks entrusted to it. The briefing was delivered by Brigadier Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Mantheri, Assistant Chief of Staff of the SAF for Operations and Planning.

Then, His Majesty the Sultan listened to a briefing about Maritime Security Centre (MSC) and the tasks and roles entrusted to it. The briefing was delivered before His Majesty the Sultan by Commodore Mohammed bin Hamoud Al Zedjali, Commander of the MSC.

During his visits to the JOC and MSC, His Majesty the Sultan posed for commemorative photos with senior officers of the headquarters, divisions of the SAF and other administrations at the Ministry of Defence.

The Royal visit reflects the attention accorded to personnel of the Ministry of Defence and the SAF by His Majesty the Sultan. It also affirms the Supreme Commander’s strong faith in the significant roles of the Ministry of Defence and the SAF in safeguarding the gains of the homeland, as well as their role in fostering domestic development alongside other government institutions.