Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif held discreet talks with his Omani counterpart Yusuf bin Alawi upon his arrival to Muscat before meeting Omani Sultan Qaboos bin Said. During the meeting with Sultan Qaboos, they discussed regional topics including events in Yemen, Syria, and developments in Iraqi Kurdistan.
This is the first visit of an Iranian official after Iranian President Hassan Rouhani visit mid of February.
According to Iranian media, the delegation headed by Zarif stopped in Muscat before heading to Doha on Monday to discuss bilateral ties and regional developments.
During his meeting with Qaboos, Zarif described Tehran-Muscat ties as special as he pointed out the similar stances towards regional dialogue and political topics not to mention bilateral economic, energy and navigation ties.
The purpose of the short visit to Oman and Qatar is to discuss regional topics and tense conditions, according to Zarif.
In this context, Zarif added that Omanis and Iranians share the point of view towards the referendum of Iraqi Kurdistan and that “no state supports the referendum on the international level.”
He reiterated Tehran’s insistence on protecting the unity of Iraq in accordance with the Iraqi constitution.
As for the nuclear deal, the Iranian FM renewed his country’s stance that rejects renegotiating the nuclear program and affirmed that Iran wouldn’t be the one to breach the deal first.
Iran's Ambassador to Oman Mohammad Reza Nouri stated that Iran is discussing facilities for Iranians’ entrance to Oman, revealing the progress achieved in economic cooperation during the past months and expressing hope that banking relations witness more advancement between Oman and Iran.
