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SINGAPORE : Singapore's Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo has said the journey of the Jewel of Muscat, a replica of a 9th-century Arabian ship, is an inspiration to all who share in the hopes of a new Asia.
He said this in a letter to Captain Saleh Said Al Jabri and the crew of the Jewel Of Muscat to congratulate them on their safe arrival in Cochin, India.
The Jewel of Muscat is a gift from Sultan Qaboos bin Said of Oman to the people of Singapore.
It set sail on its historic voyage from Sultan Qaboos Port, Muscat, to Singapore on February 16 and arrived in Cochin on March 15.
Singapore Foreign Service Officer Jeff Khoo is part of the crew.
Cochin is the ship's first port of call. From Cochin, it will set sail for Galle, Sri Lanka. It is expected to make port calls at Penang and Malacca.
The ship is expected to arrive in Singapore in July 2010.
In his letter, Mr Yeo said: "I have followed your daily updates with interest and admiration. I have also kept readers of my Facebook and blog sites regularly informed of your progress.
"Your re-enactment of a journey that took place over a thousand years ago fills us with awe and excitement. The seamanship of the Omani people is once again in full display!"
Mr Yeo said the gift of the Jewel of Muscat by Sultan Qaboos to the people of Singapore expresses the friendship between the two countries.
He said: "It also reminds us of the links that have connected the Middle East and Southeast Asia over the centuries.
"Of course, in this century, the maritime silk route is being revived on a huge scale. Your voyage is therefore an inspiration to all of us who share in the hopes of a new Asia."
Mr Yeo added that Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Zainul Abidin Rasheed will represent Singapore at the welcome ceremony for the arrival of the ship in Cochin.
Mr Zainul will meet the Mayor of Cochin, Professor Mercy Williams and the secretary-general of the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sayyid Badr Al-Busaidi. - CNA/ms
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