TEHRAN – Two Persian Gulf countries marked Tuesday, which could mark the beginning of a state of bond, as Iranian President Masuud Pezeshkian set out on a high-ranking trip to Muscat, Oman.
Upon arrival, Pezeshkian and his accompanying delegation were said to be deputy prime minister Saihab bin Talik Al, deputy prime minister of the Royal Airport. Foreign Minister Abbas Araguchi was among several ministers accompanying the president. Pezeshkian was then welcomed by Sultan Haisam bin Tarik at the official reception ceremony.
During his meeting with the Sultan, Pezeshkian expressed his gratitude to Oman for his role in fostering ongoing indirect consultations between Iran and the United States. Oman hosts negotiations and works as an intermediary.
“We appreciate the good efforts of our friendly and brotherly nation Oman in mediating negotiations and hope that this process will lead to good outcomes,” he emphasized Oman’s strategic importance in Iran’s foreign policy, adding, “Iran’s Islamic Republic has full confidence in Oman, which trust has strengthened relations and raises the responsibility of both parties to pursue a more substantial agreement.” The United States wanted the United Arab Emirates to act as an intermediary. However, Iran said it wanted Oman to take on the role.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Pezeshkian has expressed Iran’s preparations to expand collaboration with Oman in multiple fields, including finance, science, education, technology, and in particular healthcare. Emphasizing the shared responsibility of Muslim countries, he said, “We are prepared to do everything we can for the dignity and greatness of Muslims. Each of us has the capacity to use for the welfare of this region and for the welfare and progress of other countries.
He also thanked Oman for his clear and supportive stance on the light letter of the Palestinian people, particularly regarding the situation in Gaza. “I am truly grateful for your good position on the issue of Gaza and the support of those who have been oppressed.”
Emphasizing the importance of sustainable development beyond natural resources, the president said, “Oil and gas are God’s blessings, but they are not infinite. Traders and industrialists from both countries need to plan future generations and strengthen their long-term economic foundations.” He called for the promotion of economic exchanges, the promotion of trade and the expansion of defense and security cooperation.
On his part, Sultan Haitham bin Talik has expressed optimism about the future of bilateral relations. “By God’s grace, Oman is in a good position today to not rely on oil and gas, focusing on strengthening the trade exchange,” he said.
The Sultan agreed to the need to boost trade by improving access to traders and developing a link between Iran and the ports of Oman. He also highlighted the importance of Iran’s north-south railways to strengthen regional trade.
Working on security connections, Sultan Haysam highlighted Omani’s commitment to helping Iran succeed, deeming it beneficial for the region as a whole. “We need to provide more support for energy cooperation between the two countries. We welcome cooperation with Iran, particularly in the military sector and mutual interests,” he added.
He expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in Oman by the leaders of the Islamic Revolution. Ayatollahs saith Ali Khamenei in the mediation process, ensuring that Oman acted with purely benevolent intentions. “Don’t worry, the position you have given us will give us complete attention and respect.”
On the issue of Palestine, Sultan Haysam praised Iran’s principled defense of Palestinian rights, saying that “advocating for the rights of the Palestinian people and the oppressed citizens is valuable and admirable to us.”
The discussion led to the signing of 18 cooperation agreements. It aims to strengthen relations between the two countries in a variety of fields, including legal, economic, political, cultural, education, health, defense, media, technology, energy and mining.