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Reports noted that the Sultan of Oman became the first foreign head of state to visit Iran since Hasan Rouhani became the president of Iran. Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al Said met Iran’s met with President Rouhani on August 25 and with the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on the next day and stated, “There are numerous options to expand ties between the two countries in various fields, especially gas.” Ayatollah Khamenei called Oman a “true and a good” neighbour to the Islamic Republic of Iran and stated that, “The region is currently experiencing a sensitive situation which requires more coordination between Iran and Oman.” Emphasising the importance of security in the region Sultan Qaboos said “Considering people’s best interests and strengthening collaboration among regional states is the key to [solving] problems in the region”, while Ayatollah Khamenei claimed that, “Assorted interference from outside the region is the main reason for the current situation in the region.” Oman is one of the few Arab countries to maintain close relations with Iran, and the only Gulf monarchy to do so. During the visit both the countries have discussed on the North–South Corridor, proposals for joint offshore gas projects, as well as gas exports from Iran to Oman.1
- 1. “Sultan of Oman meets with Rouhani, Khamenei”, Asharq Al Awsat, August 27, 2013, at http://www.aawsat.net/2013/08/article55314891.