Sultan of Oman Restructures Defense, National Security Councils

Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq al-Said. (Reuters)
Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq al-Said. (Reuters)
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Sultan of Oman Restructures Defense, National Security Councils

Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq al-Said. (Reuters)
Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq al-Said. (Reuters)

Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq al-Said issued on Monday three royal decrees that restructures the Defense and National Security Councils.

The Sultan had recently introduced a number of amendments that included the creation of the position of crown prince.

The first decree stipulates that the Defense Council will be restructured under the chairmanship of The Sultan, the Supreme Commander, reported the Oman news agency (ONA).

The council will include the deputy prime minister for defense affairs, minister of the Royal Office, head of Office of the Supreme Commander, head of Liaison and Coordination at the Royal Office, head of the Internal Security Service, inspector-general of Police and Customs and chief of staff of the Sultan’s Armed Forces.

The decree stipulates that the Defense Council will specialize in reviewing all issues related to safeguarding and defending the Sultanate’s safety and will convene when it is deemed necessary to declare the State of Public Mobilization, reported ONA.

The second decree orders the restructuring of the National Security Council under the chairmanship of the Sultan, the Supreme Commander.

It will include the Minister of the Royal Office, head of the Office of the Supreme Commander, head of the Liaison and Coordination at the Royal Office, head of the Internal Security Service, inspector-general of Police and Customs and chief of staff of the Sultan’s Armed Forces.

The Council may call for the attendance of whomever it might consider appropriate other than its members.

The third decree covered military promotions and appointments, following up on last week’s royal orders.

Monday’s decree promoted Brigadier Nasser Saleh Saud al-Ma'awali to the rank of Major General and appointed him as Secretary General of the National Security Council in the Royal Office.

Brigadier Sulaiman Khalid Sulaiman al-Zakwani was promoted to the rank of Major General and appointed Secretary General of the Military Affairs in the Royal Office.

Brigadier Salim Ali Badr al-Hosni was promoted to the rank of Major General and appointed Commander of the Royal Guard of Oman.

Brigadier Mussalam Mohammed Taman Ja'abob was promoted to the rank of Major General and appointed Commander of the Sultan's Special Force.

Major General Abdullah Ali Hamad al-Harthy was appointed Assistant Inspector General of Police and Customs for Operations.

Brigadier Khalifa Ali Nasser al-Siyabi was promoted to the rank of Major General and appointed Assistant Inspector General of Police and Customs for Administrative and Financial Affairs.



Bahrain, Italy Stress Importance of Dialogue to Address Crises

This handout picture from the official Bahrain News Agency (BNA) shows Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa receiving Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Manama on January 27, 2025. (BNA/AFP)
This handout picture from the official Bahrain News Agency (BNA) shows Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa receiving Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Manama on January 27, 2025. (BNA/AFP)
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Bahrain, Italy Stress Importance of Dialogue to Address Crises

This handout picture from the official Bahrain News Agency (BNA) shows Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa receiving Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Manama on January 27, 2025. (BNA/AFP)
This handout picture from the official Bahrain News Agency (BNA) shows Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa receiving Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Manama on January 27, 2025. (BNA/AFP)

Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni held talks in Manama on Monday on regional and international developments.

Meloni had arrived in Bahrain on Monday on an official visit.

“The two sides underscored the importance of dialogue, diplomatic solutions, and cooperation in addressing crises and promoting global peace and stability,” said the Bahraini news agency, BNA.

The King held talks with Meloni and her accompanying delegation at Al Gudaibiya Palace in the presence of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

They reviewed the development of their strategic relations and discussed opportunities to boost cooperation, particularly in economic, trade, investment, and sustainable development sectors to serve mutual interests.

King Hamad emphasized Bahrain's interest in further strengthening ties with Italy and bolstering them to further achieve prosperity and benefit for their people.

He commended Italy's efforts and initiatives to reinforce international peace and stability and address global issues that foster cooperation and peace among nations.

The King and Meloni underscored the importance of dialogue, diplomatic solutions, and cooperation in addressing crises and promoting global peace and stability.

King Hamad further highlighted Bahrain's historical and cultural role in building bridges of communication, cooperation, and dialogue among various civilizations, cultures, and religions, promoting values of tolerance and coexistence for the benefit of humanity.

Upon her arrival at Bahrain International Airport, Meloni was welcomed by Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Governor of Muharraq Governorate Salman bin Isa bin Hindi Al Mannai, Ambassador of Bahrain to Italy Osama Abdullah Al Absi, and Ambassador of Italy to Bahrain Andrea Catalano.