By Sarah Turnnidge
MUSCAT - Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said of Oman, the Middle East’s longest-serving ruler, has died aged 79.
The British-educated leader seized power by overthrowing his father in a 1970 palace coup and pulled his Arabian sultanate into modernity while carefully balancing diplomatic ties between adversaries Iran and the US.
Despite presiding at the head of a system of absolute monarchy the sultan was widely regarded as a popular leader, both within his own country and abroad.
He was believed to have been in poor health in recent months, and travelled to Belgium for a medical check-up in December. The nation’s royal court has declared three days of mourning.
The state-run Oman News Agency announced his death on its official Twitter account.
Oman state TV later named the nation’s new sultan as Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, Qaboos’ cousin.
Boris Johnson paid tribute to the leader, writing in a statement that he was “deeply saddened” by the news.
The PM added: “He was an exceptionally wise and respected leader who will be missed enormously. He will be remembered for his devotion to the development of Oman into a stable and prosperous nation, and as the father of the nation who sought to improve the lives of the Omani people.
“I had the pleasure of meeting His Majesty Sultan Qaboos and was struck by his commitment to peace and understanding between nations and between faiths. He leaves a profound legacy, not only in Oman but across the region too.
“The UK is a proud friend and enduring partner of Oman, and our thoughts and prayers are with the Omani people.”
Oman's new ruler, Haitham bin Tariq al-Said, was on Saturday taking the oath of allegiance as sultan to succeed his cousin Qaboos bin Said who died on Friday, two Omani newspapers said.
