Pres. Rouhani: No way other than brotherhood, friendship between nations

AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): Referring to the friendly, close relations between Iran and Oman, the President emphasised the efforts of the two countries to further strengthen Tehran-Muscat trade and economic relations and to develop cooperation to serve regional security and stability.

Speaking on Tuesday in a meeting with the Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs of Oman Yusuf bin Alawi, President Hassan Rouhani said, "The Islamic Republic of Iran attaches great weight to developing relations and cooperation with its neighbors, Oman in particular".

Noting that with the efforts of Iranian and Oman officials, there have always been friendly and close relations between the two countries, he added, "Fortunately, today there has been a good momentum in economic relations between the two countries and we hope that with the holding of the 18th Joint Commission on Cooperation, good steps will be taken in Tehran-Muscat ties".

Dr Rouhani emphasised the importance of deepening business relations, especially between the two countries' businesspeople, adding, "Oman can serve as a hub for Iran's trade in the region".

Referring to the need for further development of relations between Iran and Oman in various fields of mutual interest, including scientific and cultural, people-to-people exchanges, shipping and tourism, the President emphasised, "Those active in the fields of economy and investment in the two countries can use the existing capacities and capabilities to further deepen their relations".

Dr Rouhani also emphasised that the Islamic Republic of Iran believes that the countries of the region should play an active role in ensuring the security of the region and is has presented the Hormuz Peace Endeavour (HOPE) initiative, adding, "Regional security, especially in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, should be increased through developing cooperation, and we should not allow foreigners to interfere".

The president described the Yemeni crisis as one of the major problems in the region, adding, "The Yemeni war brought nothing except destruction, the killing of people, and creating hatred between two countries and posing threat to Yemen's territorial integrity".

Dr. Rouhani continued, "Unfortunately, Europe and the US, despite what they say, are not interested in establishment of peace in Yemen because they have been able to sell a great number of weapons".

The President stressed that there is no way other than brotherhood and friendship between regional states and said, "We should all attempt to put an end to the war in Yemen as soon as possible and establish stability and security in the country within the framework of Yemeni-Yemeni peace talks".

Emphasising that efforts to send humanitarian aid to the Yemeni people should continue, Dr Rouhani expressed hope that the peace-seeking efforts of Iran and Oman would lead to peace, stability and security in the region and the development of friendship and brotherhood among nations".

"The policies of the Saudi government in Syria, Iraq and Lebanon have had no achievements for them, and we hope that their authorities change their policies," the president said.

Pointing out that from the Islamic Republic of Iran's point of view, there is no obstacle on the path of developing relations with neighbours and restoring relations with Saudi Arabia, he said, "We believe that in order to provide security and stability in the region, all countries should be together".

During the meeting, the Omani Foreign Minister expressed delivered the greetings of Sultan Qaboos to Dr Rouhani and said, "Developing relations and cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Iran is very important for Oman".

Referring to the holding of the 18th Joint Commission on Cooperation between Iran and Oman with the presence of representatives of the private sectors of the two countries, Yusuf bin Alawi said, "Promoting the relations and cooperation will benefit both nations".

He added, "The Islamic Republic of Iran's Hormuz Peace Endeavour (HOPE) initiative definitely benefit the entire region and develop stability and security in regional states".

Pointing out that Iran and Oman can provide good solutions to regional problems and issues, especially in Yemen, he said, "Fortunately, today there are promising signs for resolving the Yemeni crisis, and Iran will certainly not spare any effort in this regard given its sensitive position and responsibility".

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