Iran's Ahmadinejad, Omani deputy PM discuss bilateral relations, regional developments

$7 billion gas investment agreement singed

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad held talks with Deputy to Oman's Sultan Qaboos, Fahd bin Mahmoud al-Said on ways to develop bilateral cooperation.

President Ahmadinejad said that Oman is a brotherly country, calling for expansion of bilateral ties.

He also underscored the deep-rooted relations between the Islamic Republic and Oman, expressing hope that Said's visit would help develop bilateral ties and the regional cooperation.

Ahmadinejad further said that the Iran-Oman cooperation should become an example for regional cooperation.

Referring to the presence of foreign forces in the region, he said that they should leave the region sooner or later. The Iranian president said that they sow discord among states in the region to justify their continued presence.

The president made it clear that there is no hindrance on the way of bolstering bilateral ties.

Said, for his part, called for expansion of cooperation in all fields.

"Economic cooperation should increase up to the level of political and security ties," the Omani official said.

He conveyed greetings of Sultan Qaboos to the Iranian president, government and people.

Said arrived in Tehran at the head of a high-ranking delegation and was welcomed upon arrival at Imam Khomeini International Airport by Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki.

First Vice President Parviz Davoudi said that Iran and Oman can raise investment in Kish gas field to dlrs 12 billion.

He made the remarks in a meeting with Said after signing a memorandum of understanding in the field of gas cooperation between Iran and Oman.

Davoudi added that the investment will stand at dlrs seven billion at the first step, and the figure will gradually increase to dlrs 12 billion.

Pointing to the fact that cooperation between the two countries will lead to expansion of bilateral relations, he noted the development of relations between Iran and Oman can set a pattern for other regional countries to follow.

Davoudi, referring to talks with Said, said that the discussions would help resolve regional problems, and that their negotiations covered the issues of Palestine, Iraq and Lebanon.

Touching on the profound relations and cultural and religious commonalities between Iran and Oman, Davoudi added that this will help consolidate bilateral ties, and that the visit by the Omani official indicated satisfactory negotiations between Tehran and Muscat.

Iran and Oman are to set up committees to pursue cooperation in the field of tourism, he added.