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‘Oman and Australia - Our Growing Ties’ ‘Oman and Australia - Our Growing Ties’
On Monday the 26th of September at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre the Consulate-General of the Sultanate of Oman launched a new publication titled ...(More)
Oman Corner at the University of Melbourne

 

An Oman Corner, designed to educate University of Melbourne students and visitors about the life and culture of Oman, was launched in early August by the Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services, Hon. Laurie Ferguson MP and Dr Abdullah al Sarmi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education in Oman. Funded by the Ministry of Higher Education, the Oman Corner is a permanent museum-style showcase intended to stimulate interest in Oman and increase academic collaboration.

 

 #attachments { display: none; }alt The Corner displays many different aspects of Omani culture, including traditions, heritage, society, government, economy and topography. Some of the many items on display include traditional Omani clothes, mini fort and dhow, musical instruments, jewellery, frankincense and khanjar. 1281174278007789900 The Corner gives visitors a glimpse of Oman. Speaking at the launch, Chancellor of the University of Melbourne, Dr Alex Chernov QC, said the establishment of the Oman Corner was not “an isolated manifestation of the relationship between the Sultanate of Oman and the University, but a memorable and important occasion in the growing friendship”.

Joining Dr Al Sarmi and Chancellor Chernov in the launch of the project was the Consul General of the Sultanate of Oman in Australia, Hamed Al Hajri, Australian Federal Government Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services, Hon. Laurie Ferguson MP, and the Governor of Victoria Professor David de Kretser.

The Sultanate of Oman and the University of Melbourne 1281174339837792700 share a very close relationship. In 2003 Oman and the University of Melbourne jointly established the Sultan of Oman Endowed Chair in Arab and Islamic Studies in honour of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. The current chair is a leading Islamic theologian and scholar, who has established at the University, the Centre for Islamic Law and Society, the National Centre for Excellence in Islamic Studies, and a Muslim prayer space on campus for staff and students.

Guests who attended the launch included many members of state and federal parliament, diplomats, leading business people, academics and students and before the commencement of the programme had the opportunity to mingle and taste Omani coffee, dates and 1281174327597791800 halwa. Professor Abdullah Saeed then opened proceedings and speeches were delivered by Chancellor Chernov, Mr Al Hajri and the Hon Ferguson. Gifts were exchanged and then guests were welcomed to the site of the Oman Corner.

The Hon. Ferguson cut the ribbon, the Governor of Victoria opened the curtain on the plaque and Mr Al Hajri unveiled the cabinets which were draped in an Omani flag. Guests then had the opportunity to view the display. The corner is a further step in strengthening the relationship between Oman and Australia. Chancellor Chernov said that the consolidation of the partnership between the University of Melbourne and Oman was of great significance, not only to the University, but also to the Australian nation.
 

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