MUSCAT: Oman’s 73-year-old ruler H M Sultan Qaboos bin Said is in Germany where he has undergone medical tests but is in good health, the royal court said yesterday.
A diplomatic source in Muscat confirmed to AFP reports that Qaboos was suffering from “colon cancer”. In a statement carried by the official ONA news agency, the royal court said that Qaboos would be undertaking further tests but did not specify what they are for.
“The Diwan of Royal Court is honoured to reassure the loyal citizens of Oman that His Majesty Sultan Qaboos is in sound health after conducting medical tests, which will continue over the coming period in accordance with a specific medical programme,” said the statement.
It went on to say that Qaboos “is spending his annual leave at his residence in Germany from where he runs his country’s affairs... until such a time that he returns to his dear homeland”.
Authorities have said that Qaboos travelled to Germany on July 9 on a “private visit” and for “medical tests”. A diplomatic source said that the Sultan has a residence in the Munich region. In November, Qaboos is due to mark the 44th anniversary of his reign and his birthday.
In October 2011, Qaboos, who has no children or brothers, amended the process of choosing his successor, by appointing five top officials to a council that would be involved in confirming the new sultan to overcome any possible royal family dispute. His closest relatives are cousins.
AFP
