Sultan Qaboos has called on Omanis to safeguard their many national accomplishments for future generations, stating that progress has come after a "tremendous" struggle, Khaleej Times reported Tuesday (October 5th).

Qaboos spoke during the inaugural session of the Council of Oman, which includes the nominated State Council and the elected body, the Majlis al-Shura.

The session is being held for the first time in the southern city of Salalah, where the sultan addressed the nation for the first time after taking power in 1970.

"Everything has been achieved within a precise balance between preserving the best elements of our heritage and the demands of the present day which require us to adapt to the spirit of the modern age," he said.