10/08/1998

Honourable Chairman,

Excellency Secretary General United Nations. The Excellencies, Colleagues, Leaders and Members of Delegations.

ALSLAM ALIKUM WA RAHMATULLAH WA BARAKATU ......

On behalf of Sultanate of Oman Government, I have the honour to convey the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth, the greetings of H.M. Sultan Caboas Bin Said and His congratulations for the success in dealing with its works during the meetings being held from 8th -12th August 1998.

I would also have the pleasure to participate with my colleagues, the Ministers of youth from all over the World to deliberate on the agenda of this conference that will deal with the most important problems facing the youth of the World and how to protect them and give support to resolve them.

I praise the concept of conference, initiative taken by the Government of Portugal in collaboration with the United Nations to organize the conference and invite for participation of the World Governments to discuss its agenda and contribute in conference activities for the benefit of Youths, who will play active role in human development and promotion.

I am confident and hopeful that this conference will come out with suitable resolutions, valuable recommendations, to meet the global objectives .

The universal problems facing the youth are some time, the same and other time varies according to circumstances surrounding them , therefore, they require from all of us and other organizations, governmental or non governmental full support, close coordination to protect the vital youth sector, through good guidance, education of good citizenship principles, and in fuse noble human values in their souls for their benefits and welfare.

Sultanate of Oman under the wise leadership of H.M. Sultan Qaboos Bin Said is giving high priority to utilize youths for today and future development, promotion, modernization. Therefore undertake to provide them with education, health care, employment and social welfare including sports and cultural activities, the dedication of 1983 and 1993 as youth years indicates the Royal patronage for the Omani youths.

I have the pleasure to conclude by expressing thanks to Government and people of Portugal for hosting this conference and facilities provided to achieve successfully its objectives and the hospitality extended to us during our stay.

I would also like to thank the Secretary General of the United Nations and his assistance for taking care of youth for their vital role in our human society, work to solve their problems and contribute for their welfare.

In conclusion, I have the pleasure to present the Oman 97 Book and a brochure to highlight benefits provided to Oman youths and the achievements gained, I repeat for all of you the best wishes and hope that this conference becomes a huge success.

With Best compliments