Iran calls for closer ties with Oman

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has called for closer cooperation between Iran and Oman in line with Tehran™s policy of furthering ties with neighboring countries.

In a meeting with Oman™s Minister Responsible for Defense Sayyid Badr bin Saud Al Busaidiat on Tuesday, Rouhani called for Tehran and Muscat to work together closely in all areas, particularly in the defense sector.

Rouhani described as constructive and positive the recent visit to Iran by Omani Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said, adding that a central plank of Tehran™s policy is to build close partnerships with neighboring countries, especially with Oman.

The Omani defense minister, for his part, evaluated the defense cooperation between Iran and his country as positive and constructive.

On Tuesday, Iran™s Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan and his Omani counterpart signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen mutual military cooperation.

Under the agreement, the Armed Forces of Iran and Oman will boost cooperation in the fields of education, sports, and culture, and work together in tackling drug and human trafficking.

During Sultan Qaboos™ visit to Iran in August, the two countries signed an agreement on the export of Iranian natural gas to the Persian Gulf state by constructing a pipeline.

MYA/NN/HJL