Death of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said of Oman – Communiqué issued by the Elysée Palace (11 Jan. 2020)

During his reign, Sultan Qaboos was able to set his country on a path toward modernization, while respecting its traditions and values. The Omani people have lost a man of intelligence and culture, who was both deeply attached to his Omani roots and open to the world, especially to France, which he knew well.

During times of great upheaval, Sultan Qaboos was able to respond to the aspirations of his people. As a man of peace, he worked tirelessly to resolve regional conflicts and to de-escalate tensions. He never ceased to promote a vision of reconciliation and mutual tolerance.

Throughout his reign, Sultan Qaboos sought, in close partnership with French presidents and governments, to establish a strong and trusting relationship between France and the Sultanate of Oman. Our two countries were therefore able to establish a strong partnership in furtherance of a shared understanding of major regional and international issues.

President Macron extends his heartfelt condolences to the family of Sultan Qaboos and to the Omani authorities and people, and assures them of his friendship and that of the French people.