MUSCAT, Jan 19 (Bernama) -- Describing her visit to Oman as successful, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor said developing countries should leverage on each other''s strengths in bringing advancement to areas such as women empowerment and education for children.
"We don''t have to learn from the West all the time. We can always learn from each other, for example between this part of the world and our side. That''s what friendship is all about," said Rosmah, wife of Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
Her four-day visit to Oman ended Wednesday, during which she held talks with Oman''s Deputy Prime Minister Sayyid Fahad Bin Mahmood Al-Said and Social Development Minister Dr Sharifa Bint Khalfan Al Yahya''eyah.
Speaking to Malaysian media before departing for Bangladesh, Rosmah echoed Sayyid Fahad''s observation that her visit to the sultanate would pave the way for more visits at all levels between Oman and Malaysia, as well as contribute to encouraging business and investment activities between the two countries.
She was also hopeful that it would open up avenues for cooperation between Oman and Malaysia in fields like early childhood education and care as well as developing women entrepreneurship.
"I was told that Omani women are an enterprising lot. I feel that it's good if we can establish some sort of networking between Malaysian and Omani businesswomen," she said.
She noted that just like in Malaysia, Oman also sought the participation of women in social and economic development of the sultanate.
According to Rosmah, she and members of her delegation had gleaned new insights from the visit which saw her being treated as a guest of the government of Oman, the first Malaysian dignitary in 20 years to have been accorded that status.
It is understood that the visit had been initially under the purview of the Social Development Ministry of Oman before all arrangements were taken over by the palace.
Rosmah said she felt humbled and surprised but also happy that the Ruler of Oman, Sultan Qaboos Bin Said, had taken interest in her visit to the sultanate.
"I would like to record my heartfelt gratitude to His Majesty and the government of Oman for the wonderful treatment accorded to us during the visit," said Rosmah.
Rosmah said she considered it as an honour not only for her and her delegation but also for all Malaysians.
The prime minister''s wife was joined on the trip by several members of the Association of Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers (Bakti).
They had the privilege of going on a cruise on board a yacht owned by Sultan Qaboos.
"I was told that nobody (outside Omani royalty) had ever been allowed to go on the royal yacht. We were the first to have been accorded this privilege. We''re very honoured," Rosmah explained.
She observed that the generous hospitality they received in Oman was not all about her and her delegation.
It may well indicate that the government of Oman had long-term relations between Oman and Malaysia in mind, she said.
According to Rosmah, Sayyid Fahad conveyed warm greetings to Najib and other ministers in Malaysia.
"The deputy prime minister said he would like to see more Malaysian leaders visit Oman and establish cooperation with Omanis when needed," she added.
Rosmah attended a gathering with the Malaysian community and held discussions with members of the Oman Women''s Association during her visit to this Gulf nation.
She also visited the magnificent Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque as well as a child care centre run by Oman''s Social Development Ministry.
Source: BERNAMA
