The Olympic torch relay has concluded the ninth leg of its global journey in Oman's capital city Muscat.

At about 8:30 p.m. local time, the 80th and the last torchbearer Habib Abdulnabi Macki, vice chairman of the Oman Olympic Committee, arrived at the floating theater of the Qurm Natural Park, where about ten thousand people had already waited to receive the flame.

Beijing Olympic Mascots Fuwa were walking around the park, causing screaming from the people, especially the children.
Fireworks were set and displayed, which is usually displayed only on the occasion of celebrating the birthday of Omani Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

Sayyid Al Mutassim bin Hamoud Al Bousaidi, minister of state and governor of Muscat, addressed the people, saying this event is "an indicator to the extent of the historical relations between Oman and China."

In a written speech, the IOC President Jacques Rogge said the Olympic torch relay "Beijing 2008" reflects the noble Olympic values, passing along the "silk route," across five continents.

He said, "This harmony between the various nationalities, cultures and races express the concept of friendship, peace and perseverance of the Olympic value."

Liu Jingmin, vice president of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2008 Olympic Games, said this event has witnessed the continuation of the traditional friendship between the two countries.

Torch bearer and former chairman of the Omani Olympic Committee Abdulah bin Hamad told CRI that, as a longtime friend of China, he and his country are grateful for being chosen as a host city of the relay.

"I am delighted to be part of this event, for myself and for my country. Holding the sacred flame makes me feel alive, and my connection to sports is being rebuilt."

The relay in Muscat covered 20 kilometers and lasted more than three hours. 80

The Olympic flame arrived in Muscat early Monday from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and will continue its tour in Islamabad, Pakistan.