New Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq al-Said attends his inauguration ceremony in Muscat, Oman, on Jan. 11, 2020. New Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq al-Said said on Saturday that he will follow the steps and approach of the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said and will complete the progress achieved in the Omani renaissance process. (Xinhua)

MUSCAT, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- New Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq al-Said said on Saturday that he will follow the steps and approach of the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said and will complete the progress achieved in the Omani renaissance process.

He stressed that he will pursue a policy of distancing the region from conflicts and disputes, achieving economic integration, and supporting the Arab League and cooperation with brother countries to achieve its goals.

The remarks came in his speech to the Omani people, which was broadcast by the Omani state-run TV, following his inauguration ceremony as the Sultan of Oman.

In his speech, the new sultan emphasized the support of the armed forces and security services.

Haitham bin Tariq al-Said was chosen on Saturday as Sultan of Oman to succeed the late sultan who passed away on Friday evening, at the age of 79, after a period of rule for almost half a century.