The Royal Army of Oman (RAO) is taking part in the Joint Omani-Italian Joint Exercise (Jebal Shams 2), which is being held in Italy from 16 to 28 June 2019, Oman News Agency (ONA) reported.

The Omani force, represented by elements of RAO Musandam Security Force Sector, left Muscat Sunday heading to the friendly Italian Republic to participate in the exercise’s activities.

The force was seen off by Brigadier Naseer bin Nasser al-Jamoudi, Commander of RAO Musandam Sector and senior officers. The participating force left on board of an aircraft of the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) from Al Musanah Air Base.

 Such exercises aim to share expertise, activate joint training and exercise plans as part of the training plan pursued by the RAO to maintain high levels of performance, training and combat efficiency among the RAO personnel. This exercise is part of the annual training programs carried out by the RAO with brotherly and friendly countries.

 The previous version of the Omani-Italian joint exercise (Jebal Shams 1) was carried out in the Sultanate in the exercise site of the RAO in Jebal Al Akhdhar in 2016.

 Meanwhile, The Royal Navy of Oman Vessel (RNO) Shabab Oman II completed its participation in the 2019 Armada Maritime Festival in the French city of Rouen, following the Royal orders of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, as part of its journey to the European continent, (Mast of Glory and Peace), which began on April 15th until October 7th.

Shabab Oman II docked on the banks of the River Seine in the French city of Rouen after more than 6,000 nautical miles since it left the Said bin Sultan Navy base on April 15. While participating in 2019 Armada Maritime Festival, the vessel stayed ten days (6-16 June) in the city of Rouen, and participated in the various activities and events of this marine festival.

The ship received more than 120,000 visitors during the ten days of the festival, during which the ship opened its doors for visitors during its participation in the festival, where it received daily large numbers of people from different nationalities who were eager to know many details of Oman’s long history. They met with the crew of the ship who were keen to provide answers about all the inquiries related to the Sultanate of Oman, in addition to organizing a photo exhibition about the ancient history of Oman and the bright present of the Sultanate, as well as a presentation about the ship’s stages of construction and its three international voyages, as well as its fourth international voyage to the European continent.