Oman's chief diplomat said on Saturday that there are bright prospects for economic cooperation between Tehran and Muscat in various fields, calling Iran a "reliable" partner.
The strategic location of the two countries helps pave the way for access to new export markets, Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah said in a meeting with Secretary of Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani in Tehran, referring to the fact that the sultanate is located on the opposite side of the Strait of Hormuz from Iran in the Persian Gulf.
The minister noted it is "unjustifiable" that Tehran-Muscat trade and business ties are not as strong as their political relationship, IRNA reported.
There is great potential for joint implementation of projects in different areas, such as science, technology, industrial development and finance, bin Alawi added.
His trip was scheduled to include talks with a number of other senior officials, including Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and leading figures in the economic sector.
The Omani official also hailed Iran's constructive role in advancing regional peace and security, saying that negotiation is the only way out of the unfolding crises in the Middle East.
"We have always regarded the Islamic Republic of Iran as our friend, partner and reliable neighbor and appreciate the country's role in promoting peace and security in the region."
Foreign Policy Priority
Shamkhani said enhancing relations with neighboring countries is the most important priority of Iran's foreign policy.
Iran and Oman can work together in a number of spheres, especially energy and transit, he stated, adding, "Joint investments to develop financial, ports and transport infrastructure can help facilitate safe and cost-effective access to target markets while diversifying business and trade opportunities in the region."
On regional conflicts, the official said multilateral cooperation and refraining from inciting tensions is helpful in alleviating crises facing the region.
Media Speculations
Earlier on Saturday, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Bahram Qasemi dismissed media speculations that the visit is linked to US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis' recent trip to Muscat, the latest White House shake-up and a deadline requiring US President Donald Trump to decide whether Washington will continue backing the Iran nuclear deal.
Oman plays a "positive role" in promoting peace and stability in the region but there is no connection between the minister's trip and these issues, Qasemi told IRNA, adding that it was a "pre-planned" visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in the economic field.
Oman maintains friendly ties with both Tehran and Washington, which severed diplomatic relations in 1980, and has on several occasions acted as an important intermediary between Iran and the West.
It helped mediate secret US-Iran talks in 2013 that led to the historic nuclear deal signed in Vienna two years later.
The sultanate has also traditionally resisted Persian Gulf Arab states' efforts to close ranks against Iran.
