Visit of H.E. Sheikh Khalifa bin Ali bin Issa al-Harthy, Under Secretary for Diplomatic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sultanate of Oman, to SSIFS

H.E. Sheikh Khalifa bin Ali bin Issa al-Harthy, Under Secretary for Diplomatic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sultanate of Oman, visited the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Affairs (SSIFS) on 15 January 2021 during his visit to India for the India-Oman Strategic Consultative Group (IOSCG) Meeting. At SSIFS, he was welcomed by Amb. J.S. Mukul, Dean SSIFS. The Omani dignitary addressed and interacted with the Indian Foreign Service Officer Trainees (IFS OTs) of the 2020 Batch & two Bhutanese Diplomats. The address focussed on India-Oman bilateral relations and the regional dynamics.

The Under Secretary was briefed by Dean SSIFS about the programmes and activities of the Institute. Till date, fifteen (15) Omani diplomats have attended courses at SSIFS including in the flagship programme, Professional Course for Foreign Diplomats (PCFD) and the Special Course for IOR-ARC (now IORA – Indian Ocean Rim Association).

The Sultanate of Oman is a strategic partner of India in the Gulf and an important interlocutor at the Gulf Cooperation Council (AGCC), Arab League and Indian Ocean Rim Association  fora. Oman also accords  high priority to its ties with India. The two countries across the Arabian Sea are linked by geography, history and culture and enjoy warm and cordial relations.  These  are attributed to historical maritime trade contacts, close links of the royal family with India and the seminal role played by the Indian expatriate community in building of Oman, which is acknowledged by the Omani Government.

New Delhi

15 January 2021
 

Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service