Oman is a beautiful country and a role model of development: Senior EU official

Muscat: The European Union and the Sultanate of Oman have been engaged in political discussions to promote security, stability, and sustainability around the world, said Roberto Bendini, Principal Administrator and Directorate-General for External Policies of the European Union and Middle East.

In a special interview to the Times of Oman, Roberto Bendini, said that the Sultanate of Oman is a beautiful country and a role model of development.

Bendini said that Oman is not only a beautiful place to visit, but also a country that spreads peace in the world. “It was Oman’s efforts that brought together Iran and Saudi Arabia for talks and the world knows what it has done to bring peace in the strife-torn Yemen. Even the GCC neighbours have re-established their ties with Qatar, courtesy Oman. It’s a great peace of diplomacy,” Bendini added.

The European Union is working on a visa waiver scheme for the people of Oman and the GCC countries. “As we discussed in the Muscat meeting, steps have been taken to allow Omani citizens to get faster and longer period visas. Some issues included in the visa waiver scheme have been solved,” he said.

“After late Sultan Qaboos bin Said bin Taimur took power, Oman became an oasis of peace. Now, a number of development projects have been started to promote green energy and tourism,” said Bendini.

He stated that it was a mistake that no one from the EU had come when late Sultan Qaboos passed away. However, a team from the EU came after a week and they apologised for not showing up. “It was basically a lack of understanding,” he added.