Iran, Oman should help promote regional stability: Iranian president

TEHRAN,Feb.9(MNA) – The region is suffering from extremism and countries like Iran and Oman should help promote stability and security in the region, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said in a meeting with the sultanate’s new ambassador in Tehran on Saturday. “Today, the region is suffering from discord, extremism, and terrorism. Unfortunately, a number of regional countries are going toward total destruction. Countries like Iran and Oman, which today enjoy security and stability, should promote security and stability in the region,” Rouhani told Ambassador Saud bin Ahmed bin Khalid Al Barwani, who submitted his credentials to the president. Iran and Oman are located in a strategic area and can further strengthen their relationship against the backdrop of the current international situation, the president said. “Good agreements between the two countries have been implemented so far.” Rouhani added that ties should be enhanced in all areas, especially in the trade sector. “Given the great confidence that the leaders of the two countries have in each other, cooperation between Iran and Oman can be influential in promoting stability in the region.” The new Omani ambassador, for his part, conveyed the warm greetings of Sultan Qaboos to the Supreme Leader and the president, saying that the sultanate is keen to consolidate its relations with the Islamic Republic in economic, diplomatic, and cultural areas. “Iran is not only a good neighbor of Oman but also is its brother,” Barwani said. He also expressed hope that bilateral economic cooperation, which is not as good as political ties between the two countries, would be increased in the future. The new ambassadors of Qatar, Pakistan, and Thailand also separately met with Rouhani on Saturday and submitted their credentials. In his meeting with the new ambassador of Qatar, President Rouhani said Tehran is ready to increase its “intimate” relations with the “brotherly” country of Qatar in all areas. The president said the today situation is very sensitive in the region and relations between neighbors can shape the future of the region. Wise behavior will meet the interest of nations “Wise behavior by regional leaders can properly protect and guarantee the interest of the nations,” the president told the Qatari ambassador. The Qatari diplomat also conveyed the warm greetings of the Qatari leader to President Rouhani, saying, “The government of Qatar is interested in developing more amicable and deeper ties with Iran.” He also said the officials in Doha are determined to develop ties with Tehran and a “good future awaits” in relations between the two countries. Pakistan’s stability and security is important to Iran President Rouhani pointed to the centuries-old cultural ties between the Iranian and Pakistani people and expressed hope that relations between Tehran and Islamabad would increase during the tenure of Noor Muhammad Jadmani as Pakistan’s new ambassador to Iran. He called Pakistan a friend and brotherly country of Iran and said Tehran attaches great importance to security and stability in neighboring Pakistan. The president also said Tehran is prepared to improve its political and economic relations with Pakistan. Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif to visit Iran Ambassador Jadmani congratulated Rouhani for his election as the Iranian president and also welcomed the nuclear deal between Iran the six major countries of Britain, France, Germany, the U.S. Russia and China. The diplomat also said Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif plans to visit Tehran for talks with Iranian officials. He said the date of the visit will be announced soon. The ambassador also said his country is firm in the fight against terrorism. Thai economic delegation to visit Iran In his meeting with the new Thai ambassador, Rouhani said the new international atmosphere entails cooperation between all countries and Iran is seeking to expand economic relations with Bangkok, particularly in providing energy to the Southeast Asian country. The ambassador, for his part, said Thailand is determined to develop its ties with Iran. “My government has serious will to increase ties with Iran in economic, political and cultural areas.” The ambassador said it is important for Bangkok to do joint investment with Iran particularly in oil and gas industries, agriculture, and heavy industry. He also said an economic delegation comprising of private and state businesses will visit Iran to do negotiations for economic cooperation.