Oman’s Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

MUSCAT: Oman’s Sultan Qaboos, in Germany for medical treatment since July, said on Wednesday he would miss annual celebrations of his birthday this month.

Omanis have been praying for the safe return of their 73-year-old ruler after nearly four months abroad.

In a video message broadcast on state television, Qaboos offered greetings to Omanis on the occasion of his birthday, which falls on Nov. 18 and is celebrated in Oman as a national day.

“The divine will has dictated that the occasion this year falls while we are outside the dear homeland for reasons you know,” said Qaboos, seated on chair in a greenish-brown uniform and reading from a written text.

“But, by God’s grace, He prepared the good results that will require a follow-up in accordance with the medical program during the coming period,” he added.

Sultan Qaboos usually presides over an annual military parade in Muscat on his birthday.

In his message, Qaboos also greeted Oman’s armed forces, saying he remained committed to “equip them with whatever is necessary to carry out their duties and to deliver on their noble task of protecting the homeland and safeguarding its gains.”

 
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