KUWAIT: Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah visits the Royal Navy of Oman’s vessel “Shabab Oman II” at Shuwaikh Port.

KUWAIT: The Royal Navy of Oman’s vessel “Shabab Oman II” left Shuwaikh Port heading for the Saudi port of King Abdulaziz, the Omani Embassy’s Advisor Abdulmohsen Al-Ajili announced yesterday. Shabab Oman II arrived at Shuwaikh Port on Friday as part of its first journey to the GCC countries, under the theme “Cooperation Sail 2015.” Al-Ajili pointed out that the purpose of this tour was to shed light on “Sultan Qaboos Sailing Award” that glorifies marine history and enhances bonds of friendship and love among world sailors.

The Omani diplomat expressed appreciation to the Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Salem Al- Humoud Al-Sabah, ministries of defense and interior, and envoys for hosting the arrival of the ship. The original Shabab Oman vessel was first sailed in 1983.

It was a barquentine which served as a training ship for the Royal Navy of Oman. Shabab Oman II replaced the original ship in 2014 when it was built in Holland. The new version is equipped with the latest technologies needed for modern day sailing. Shabab Oman II is due to return home on November 10, in time of National Day celebrations.

Minister of Information Sheikh Salman Al- Sabah said visit of Omani Royal Navy vessel which arrived in Kuwait under directions of Sultan Qaboos bin Said was in recognition of the State of Kuwait, the Kuwaiti Amir and people.

Cooperation

In a press statement, Sheikh Salman, who is also Minister of State for Youth Affairs, expressed his joy that the ship made its first stop in Kuwait before continuing its world tour themed “Cooperation Sail 2015.” “This embodies cooperation and love among peoples of the Gulf Cooperation Council member states,” he said.

This is the second version of the Shabab Oman I that visited Kuwait in 1983 when it sailed in the presence of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah when he was acting Minister of Information at that time, he noted. The minister lauded the decision of Sultan Qaboos to make Kuwait the first leg of the ship’s tour, expressing his admiration at modern technology and Omani identity by which the ship characterized.

He also commended the positive step that helped Gulf youth participate in the ship’s tour. Sheikh Salman thanked Omani Ambassador to Kuwait Hamed bin Said Al Ibrahim, the vessel’s captain Saif bin Nasser Al-Rahbi and its crew for the warm reception and hospitality, hoping the ship would achieve its goals of spreading love, cooperation and peace among all peoples across the globe.

Ambassador Al-Ibrahim and captain Al-Rahbi thanked Sheikh Salman, who was accompanied by a number of senior officials of the State, for visiting the ship. The second vessel was built in the Netherlands as per the world-clas standards to carry on with the peace and cooperation mission. Kuwait is the first leg of a Gulf tour as the ship will sail to the rest of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, and it is due in Muscat on 10 November. — KUNA