Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ramin Mehman-Parast lauded the close ties and cooperation between Iran and Oman, and stated that the friendly relations between the two sides set a role model for cooperation among the regional states.

Speaking at a meeting with Omani Foreign Minister Yusuf bin Alawi in Muscat on Sunday, Mehman-Parast said the relations between Tehran and Muscat are "friendly and brotherly" and are based on abundant commonalities and shared views of the two sides.

Thus, he said, these relations present a role model for regional cooperation.

Mehman-Parast further pointed to the sensitivity of the Persian Gulf and the Middle-East region, and said "regional stability and security" sets a priority for the Islamic Republic.

He underlined the necessity for cooperation and interaction among the regional states to maintain stability and security in the region.

Alawi, for his part, pointed to Iran's key position in the region, and asked for continued cooperation and interaction among the regional states, including Iran and Oman, to resolve the regional problems.

Also during the meeting, the two sides discussed the latest regional developments including the crisis in Syria.

Iran and Oman have expanded cooperation in a variety of areas such as economy and defense since Iran's President Ahmadinejad took office in 2005. The two countries signed a security agreement in August 2009.

In August 2010, Iran and Oman signed an agreement to further boost mutual cooperation in the field of defense.

In December 2010, the Iranian parliament approved a bill that allows Tehran to implement an agreement on security cooperation and coordination with Oman.
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News ID 184422