Oman announces limited Cabinet reshuffle

MUSCAT (AA) - Oman announced Tuesday a limited Cabinet reshuffle that included the heads of the foreign and finance ministries.

"The Royal Decree provides the formation of the cabinet, and the appointment of some positions,” the official Oman News Agency said.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr bin Hamad bin Hamoud al-Busaidi was appointed to succeed Yusuf bin Alawi, who first took a ministerial post 23 years ago.

Sultan bin Salem al-Habsi was appointed minister of Finance, succeeding Darwish bin Ismail al-Balushi.

The reshuffle also included the creation of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth to be headed by the son of country's Sultan, Dhi Yazan bin Haitham bin Tariq.

Khalid bin Hilal al-Busaidi was appointed minister of the Diwan of the Royal Court, while Sultan bin Muhammad al-Numani will become minister of the Royal Office.

This reshuffle is the largest since the Sultan of Oman took power in January.

*Bassel Barakat contributed to this report from Ankara