1. Regarding the passing of H.M. Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said of the Sultanate of Oman, the government of the Republic of Korea will send a delegation to offer condolences to Oman, led by Minister of National Defense Jeong Kyeongdoo, from January 13 to 15.

o The delegation consists of nine people, including Ambassador to Oman Kim Chang Kyu, director-general of international policy Lee Won-ik of the Ministry of National Defense, and other officials from the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

2. The royal family of Oman announced on January 11 at 03:58 (local time) through a state news agency that H.M. Sultan Qaboos passed away on January 10. The late Sultan Qaboos has been respected by the people of Oman for his wise governance for the people aimed at political stability and continuous economic growth since his inauguration as Sultan in 1970. During his reign, he also contributed to strengthening the ROK-Oman relations, including by signing a long-term (25 years) gas supply agreement with the ROK.

o The late Sultan Qaboos diplomatically maintained brotherly friendship and cooperation with neighboring Arab states, and actively played a mediating role in resolving conflicts in the Middle East, including mediating behind-the-scenes negotiations on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

3. After the passing of H.M. Sultan Qaboos, the Royal Family Council convened to determine the successor and unsealed a letter written by the late Sultan Qaboos. The Omani Defense Council officially announced on January 11 that Minister of Heritage and Culture Haitham bin Taimur Al Said (a cousin of the late Sultan Qaboos) was sworn in as Oman’s new Sultan.

o President Moon Jae-in sent a telegram of condolence on January 12 to extend the ROK people’s condolences on the passing of H.M. Sultan Qaboos. Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Sei-young visited the Embassy of Oman in the ROK on January 13 and offered condolences.