Oman presents commemorative artwork to the World Trade Organization

The Sultanate of Oman presented a commemorative artwork to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in honour of the visit by His Highness Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham to the WTO headquarters in Geneva on June 21, 2023.

The artwork is a symbolic gift from His Highness to the organization, reflecting the depth of bilateral relations and mutual appreciation between Oman and the WTO. It highlights three main themes: historical civilisation, natural diversity, and a bright future—artistically expressing Omani values and the country’s openness to global issues and sustainable development.

A national art competition was held with the participation of six Omani artists over a period of eight months, under the supervision of a specialised committee and in coordination with the relevant authorities. The artwork by Omani artist Salem bin Khamis Al Salami was selected by His Highness Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham to represent the Sultanate of Oman and will be permanently displayed at the WTO headquarters, blending Omani cultural identity with global openness.

This initiative was overseen by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, in collaboration with the Omani Society for Fine Arts under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth. It represents institutional cooperation and reaffirms Oman’s active cultural and artistic presence in international forums.

Commenting on the initiative, Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, stated that the artwork reflects Oman’s appreciation of its constructive relationship with the WTO and its commitment to promoting cultural engagement and civilisational dialogue through the arts.

He added that the initiative came under the guidance and supervision of His Highness Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham, who places particular importance on the arts as a powerful tool to foster intercultural dialogue and build bridges between Oman and the world. His Highness’s support for the project reflects his belief in the role of culture in strengthening Oman’s international presence and promoting its rich cultural and human heritage.

For his part, Sayyid Said bin Sultan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary for Culture at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, said the artistic initiative embodies a civilisational, cultural, and creative vision that reflects Oman’s approach to using art as a bridge for dialogue and global understanding, and as a means of representing national identity in its various forms.

He expressed his pride in presenting the commemorative artwork through the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion as part of a broader institutional partnership supporting national efforts to represent Oman internationally, strengthen its cultural identity, and promote it globally in alignment with Oman Vision 2040.

He added that the artwork, which reflects Omani civilisation, natural diversity, and a forward-looking vision, showcased the creative energy of young Omani artists and succeeded in conveying the message of authentic Omani art to the World Trade Organization, highlighting the importance of art in building cultural and diplomatic relations.

Idris bin Abdul Rahman Alkhanjari, Oman’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Sultanate of Oman to the United Nations and other international organisations in Geneva, stated that this cultural initiative reflects an important civilisational and diplomatic dimension in Oman’s relationship with the WTO. It also demonstrates Oman’s commitment to human-centred engagement through art. He expressed his pride that the artwork will remain on display at the WTO headquarters as a symbol of mutual appreciation and the strong ties between Oman and the organization.

He noted that the artwork will be displayed in a hall at the heart of the WTO building known as the “Salle des Pas Perdus”, which serves as a living museum of diversity, art, and shared history, echoing the footsteps of generations of diplomats.