His Majesty the Sultan and Yang di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday visited the Sultan's Special Force at Al-Somoudh Garrison located in Halbaan, Oman.

At the special military centre, His Majesty was welcomed by the Minister of the Royal Office and Brigadier Amar Al-Amri, Commander of the Special Sultan's Force.

General Ali bin Majid Al-Ma'amariand and the ruler later heard a briefing on the organisation and tasks of the Sultan's Special Force.

At the restricted area, His Majesty viewed the display of equipment of the mobile regiment and later proceeded to the gymnasium to see a performance of self-defence.

His Majesty then visited the anti-terrorism training area to observe separate demonstrations of rescue operations involving a hijacked aircraft and hostages.

At the military centre, His Majesty was invited to try the regiment's weapons at the firing range.

Sultan's Special Force was established in February 1977 under the direct command of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos and under the supervision of the Minister of the Royal Office.

In the afternoon, His Majesty received in audience Omani Deputy Prime Minister Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmood Al-Said and later heard a briefing on the development of Oman's economy by Maqbook bin Ali bin Sultan, Minister of Commerce and Industry.

After the briefing, His Majesty received 'junjung ziarah' from Bruneians based in Oman and mainly working for several oil and gas companies in the Sultanate.

His Majesty attended a private dinner hosted by Sultan Qaboos at Bait Al Barakah in Seeb and then proceeded to the royal private airport concluding the State-Visit.

Present to bid farewell to His Majesty was the Attending Minister Sayyid Haitam bin Tariq Al-Said and Sayyid Fakhri bin Mohammed bin Said Al-Said, Ambassador of Oman to Brunei Darussalam.

His Majesty on Wednesday night attended a state dinner hosted by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al-Said, the Sultan of Oman in honour of His Majesty's State Visit.

Prior to the event, a meeting was held between His Majesty the Sultan and His Majesty Qaboos at another venue at the Al-Alam Palace. This was followed by an exchange of gifts by Their Majesties. - Borneo Bulletin (17th Apr 2009)