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Immediate Release

Statement From Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper on the Passing of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos of Oman

We learn with deep sadness of the passing of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said of Oman, a respected friend and partner of the United States.

We join countless nations of the world to mourn the monumental loss of a force of nature and true advocate for peace and stability in the Middle East for close to a half century. The Sultan led the Omani people into the 21st century, pursuing bold changes domestically and engaging new and old in the region and across the world, often offering his hand in mediation and friendship.

Under the Sultan's steady leadership, Oman and its Royal Forces worked closely with U.S. forces to counter terrorism, ensure the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and promote regional stability and security.

We are grateful for His Majesty's strong commitment to regional security and will honor his legacy through our continued strong defense partnership with Oman.