Muscat, March 18 (QNA) - Oman officially launched the Oman Red Crescent Society in Muscat on Wednesday, marking a significant step toward enhancing the Sultanate's humanitarian and emergency response capabilities.

The newly established entity will operate under the umbrella of the Oman Charitable Organization (OCO), aiming to unify and streamline relief efforts within a more structured and specialized framework.

OCO Acting CEO Badr bin Mohammed Al Zaabi described the initiative as a major milestone in advancing Oman's humanitarian ecosystem, noting that the Red Crescent will enhance coordination efficiency and strengthen preparedness to respond to emergencies and natural disasters.

He added that the organization's strategic vision is to build a highly effective national humanitarian entity aligned with international best practices, through developing rapid response mechanisms, strengthening the readiness of specialized teams, and expanding relief and medical assistance programs.

Al Zaabi further emphasized the importance of forging strategic partnerships at both the local and international levels, which will support knowledge exchange and operational excellence in managing relief operations.

The Oman Red Crescent is also expected to bolster the Sultanate's presence within the global humanitarian landscape by deepening cooperation with leading international organizations and leveraging their expertise to enhance the effectiveness of humanitarian interventions. (QNA)