H.E. Dr. AIi bin Ahmed Al-Isa'eei, Under Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Abdulmalik Abdulkarim AI Balushi, Chief Executive Officer, Oman Post, Fellow Ambassadors, distinguished Guests from Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Oman Post, Sheikh Kanaksi Khimji, distinguished Members of Indian Community in Oman, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good Evening

I am delighted to welcome you all to this ceremony dedicated to launch the special postal stamps being issued by Oman Post to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Oman in 1955 and thank you for your presence. I take this opportunity to convey the Government of India's appreciation for Oman Post and the Government of Oman for this initiative of issuing special postal stamps.

Of course, the historical relations between India and Oman are traced back to over 5000 years. For centuries Indians and Omanis have been engaged in trade and other exchanges which is manifested in the presence of Indian business families in Oman since 150 to 200 years and the close relationship which the Royal family of Oman enjoyed with India. The unveiling this evening of the special stamps being issued by Oman Post is, therefore, a momentous occasion to celebrate an important milestone in India-Oman relations. These historical stamps will remind our people, for years and decades to come, of the celebrations to mark the 60th Anniversary of diplomatic ties. These stamps also symbolize the importance that the two Governments and people of the two countries attach to their relationship.

During the past 60 years, under the wise leadership and guidance of HM Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said, India-Oman relations have evolved into a strategic partnership, which is based on shared interests and values and respect for each other's priorities, concerns and sensitivities. This partnership is reflected in our exceptional cooperation in security matters, including counter terrorism, very close cooperation between our defence affairs as well as the growing bilateral trade and mutual investment. The exchanges between the two countries in the fields of education, culture and tourism have also been expanding.

This ceremony to unveil the special postal stamps is the concluding event of a series of events which the two countries organized to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of diplomatic ties. The year 2015 had begun with the visit of Honourable External Affairs Minister of India, Smt. Sushma Swaraj. Thereafter, a number of special events, including cultural performances, exhibitions, film festivals, lectures etc. were organized throughout the year. Other noteworthy events were the visit of four vessels of the Western Fleet of Indian Navy to Muscat in September 2015 and the joint voyage undertaken by sailing ships of India and Oman together from Muscat to Cochin in November- December 2015, following the traditional tradin9 route between India and Oman.

Both India and Oman remain committed to take their strategic partnership to a new level in the future to sub-serve their shared interests, including expanding their cooperation in security and defence matters, enhancing bilateral trade and mutual investments and expanding exchanges in the fields of education, culture and tourism. The two countries shall also continue to work together at regional and global fora to deal with the global and regional issues of shared interests and concerns.

The presence of Indians community in Oman, which dates back to over 200 years, has been a key factor in the development of India's relations with Oman into strategic partnership. Their role in building close cooperation between India and Oman has always been appreciated by the Governments and people of India and Oman. The Indian community in Oman, which numbers just under 800,000, has remained committed to contributing its utmost to the development of both Oman and India.

I would like to conclude by underlying again the historical importance of this ceremony. I thank again Oman Post for issuing these special postal stamps. I also thank the Government of Oman, in general, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in particular, for the support extended to the Indian Embassy in Muscat, enabling the Embassy to do its best for expanding cooperation between India and Oman in various domains. I take this opportunity to wish HM, on behalf of all of us, a long life and good health and wish Oman peace, happiness and prosperity under HM's leadership. I also thank all the distinguished guests for their benign presence which we highly appreciate. Thank you for your kind attention. Have a Good Evening.