Putin hosts Omani Sultan for first-ever Moscow visit
Muscat is mediating indirect US-Iran talks to seal a new deal that would impose restrictions on Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief
Russia and Oman signed an agreement in Moscow to mutually waive visa requirements and enhance cooperation in media, energy, and agriculture during the Omani sultan's official visit on 22 April.
The agreement to waive visa requirements for citizens of both countries was signed during an official ceremony held in the Kremlin following talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al-Said.
During his meeting with Putin, the Sultan announced the possibility of cooperation with Russia in agriculture, energy, and trade, noting that "relations with Russia are strong, and the country seeks to develop its own unique character."
Putin emphasized that "the Sultan of Oman's visit to Russia was prepared with a strong package of documents," noting his country's aspirations for "additional steps to enhance cooperation in the energy sector with the Sultanate of Oman."
Putin also announced that Russia plans to hold a summit with Arab countries this year.
Additionally, the Rossiya Segodnya Media Group and the Omani Ministry of Information, represented by the Oman News Agency, signed a memorandum of understanding to facilitate the exchange of information and develop media relations.
The memorandum was signed by the group's CEO, Dmitry Kiselev, and the Sultanate of Oman's Ambassador to Russia, Hamoud bin Salem Al-Tuwaikh.
Oman is currently the location of indirect nuclear talks between the US and Iran.
Washington and Tel Aviv claim Iran is building a nuclear weapon. Iran says its nuclear program is for civilian purposes. Trump has threatened to bomb Iran unless a deal is reached. Iran has said there can be no deal under the threat of bombardment.
During the meeting, the Russian President and the Omani Sultan discussed the ongoing nuclear talks.
“This topic was touched on … in the context of mediation efforts by Oman,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters during a briefing at the Kremlin.
Kremlin foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov also said both sides “discussed the progress of negotiations between Iranian and American representatives," according to remarks carried by Interfax.
“We will see what the result will be. We maintain close contact with our Iranian colleagues. Where we can, we help,” Ushakov was quoted as saying.
The Sultan's official visit to Moscow was the first of its kind in the 40-year history of bilateral relations between Russia and the Sultanate of Oman.
No comments:
Post a Comment