Oman's Sayyid Asaad Engages in High-Level Talks at GCC-ASEAN Summit
Kuala Lampur, Malaysia – On behalf of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, H H Sayyid Asaad bin Tarik al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Affairs and Personal Representative of His Majesty the Sultan, lead delegation to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and ASEAN summits held in the Malaysian capital on Monday.
The high-level meetings focused on strengthening strategic and economic ties between the ten-member ASEAN bloc and the GCC, with Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim highlighting their significance for long-term regional and global cooperation.
On the sidelines of the summits, His Highness Sayyid Asaad held talks with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, reviewing the progress of bilateral relations and discussing prospects for enhanced cooperation between Oman and Cambodia. The two also exchanged views on key topics raised during the summits.
The meeting was attended by members of the official delegation accompanying His Highness and senior Cambodian officials.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Muscat Daily
an hour ago
- Muscat Daily
GCC demands urgent global action to end Gaza blockade
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has called for immediate international action to end the siege on Gaza and ensure the entry of humanitarian aid, amid what it described as ongoing crimes by Israeli forces against Palestinians. Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi, Secretary General of the GCC, said the member states condemned the blockade, which has prevented the delivery of essential aid, resulting in a worsening humanitarian crisis. He said the situation reflected a clear breach of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions. 'The Israeli occupation bears full responsibility for the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, including its policy of collective starvation,' Budaiwi said. 'This constitutes a war crime that requires urgent accountability.' He urged the international community, including states, institutions, and organisations, to take immediate steps to stop the siege, end the violence, and open the crossings to allow urgent humanitarian relief into Gaza. Budaiwi reaffirmed the GCC's support for the Palestinian people and their right to freedom, dignity, and self-determination, as well as a just and lasting peace based on UN resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative. Meanwhile, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) warned of extreme food shortages in Gaza. 'We are receiving desperate messages of starvation from Gaza, including from our colleagues,' the agency said in a statement on Monday. UNRWA reported a 40-fold increase in food prices, highlighting a receipt showing 1kg of sugar priced at $100, with flour, rice, and lentils each costing between $23 and $30. The cost of these four basic items totalled $183. The agency said it has enough food stockpiled just outside Gaza to support the population for over three months, but the aid has not been allowed to enter. 'The suffering in Gaza is manmade and must be stopped,' UNRWA stated, calling for an end to the blockade and the immediate and large-scale entry of aid.
Observer
8 hours ago
- Observer
Over 1.5 million Omanis get social protection
Muscat: More than 1.53 million individuals across various categories have benefited from Social Protection Fund in the country, reflecting the government's continued commitment to inclusive welfare under Oman Vision 2040. The SPF indicated that the largest share of beneficiaries were children, with numbers reaching 1,243,781. Senior citizens accounted for 173,324 beneficiaries, while 47,579 people with disabilities also received assistance under the fund's social protection umbrella. The report further highlights that 16,777 individuals received the job security allowance – a safety net designed to protect Omani workers from sudden income loss. 56,808 beneficiaries received 'family income support', with 36,632 specifically receiving family income support and 20,176 applications processed under the social security payment scheme. Additionally, 16,041 widows and orphans were covered by dedicated support programmes. In terms of social insurance, the Fund reported 141,000 active pensions disbursed as of June 2025. The report also highlighted a positive trend in contributions, with over 594,000 Omanis signing up for the insurance. The Social Protection Fund has paved the way for implementing the provisions of the Social Protection Law since the beginning of 2024. Steps in this direction include setting up branches of social insurance and social protection schemes that establish pillars for the protection of individuals and family members against multiple risks in life within the framework of a future vision for comprehensive social protection. Over 1.5 million Omanis get social protection Direct cash benefits are disbursed to those eligible across different segments of society. The schemes are fully funded by the state's public treasury, which saw the introduction of schemes to persons with disabilities, children, the elderly, orphans and widows. The Social Protection Fund has been linked with 12 government institutions during 2024. The system represents a very advanced step in extending protection to Omani citizens. It reflects the deep attention accorded to the social aspects by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, in accordance with what is included in the Basic Law of the State and Oman Vision 2040. GRAPH POINT WITH PHOTO 1,243,781 children 173,324 Senior citizens 47,579 people with disabilities 16,777 Job security allowance 594,000 Insurance subscribers 36,632 Family income support
Muscat Daily
a day ago
- Muscat Daily
GCC waste generation surges 154%
Muscat – The waste management market in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states is projected to grow from an estimated US$68.3bn in 2025 to US$97.4bn by 2030, according to a study by Mordor Intelligence. The sector is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 7.4% over the five-year period, driven by rising waste volumes and enhanced treatment infrastructure. Latest figures released by the GCC Statistical Centre show that total waste collected across member states reached approximately 262.7mn tonnes by the end of 2023, marking a 153.7% increase over 2019 levels. Of this, 192mn tonnes were treated, representing a 128.5% increase. The per capita share of household waste in the region declined by 17.4% to 1.4kg per person per day, reflecting a shift in consumption patterns and increased awareness. Household waste volumes, which had peaked at 35.5mn tonnes in 2020, dropped to 30.8mn tonnes in 2023. Almost all the waste collected – 99.2% – was classified as non-hazardous. Among the hazardous waste collected, 95.8% was exported for treatment, mainly involving recovery of metals and metallic compounds. The region has met Sustainable Development Goal 12 targets for hazardous waste recycling and reuse, with a reported 30% recycling rate in 2023. GCC countries have collectively submitted 87 national reports under the Basel Convention on hazardous waste control. Medical waste volumes have also shifted post-COVID-19. Hazardous waste from the healthcare sector dropped 11.4% in 2023 compared to 2022. However, the region has expanded its treatment capacity significantly. The number of incineration facilities rose to 23 by the end of 2023, up 27.8% from 2022. Industrial hazardous waste recorded a 23.8% increase over the same period, indicating a rebound in industrial activity following the pandemic. Agricultural waste rose sharply to 2.5mn tonnes in 2023 – a 44% increase over the previous year. Waste from other economic activities rose from 11.9mn tonnes in 2019 to 14.3mn tonnes in 2023. The GCC's evolving waste landscape, marked by declining household contributions and rising volumes from agriculture and industry, reflects both environmental policy shifts and economic recovery trends. Ongoing investments in treatment infrastructure and waste export mechanisms are central to the region's broader sustainability goals.
