(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) The Iranian Ambassador to Oman has said that his country sees the sultanate as an emerging strategic point, which Iran will help turn into a regional economic hub.
Speaking on the eve of the 35th anniversary of Iran's Islamic revolution, which falls on Tuesday, H E Ali Akbar Sibeveih said ties with Oman are getting stronger each year and cooperation in diverse areas has positively influenced regional stability.
''We believe that if you really want to help someone, you should first help the nearest to you, and we see Oman nearer to us and the first priority. We see such ties affecting the region in a positive way,'' he added.
H E Sibeveih said that the new government in Iran is working hard on ties with neighbours, especially GCC countries.
''It will be in the interest of the whole region if ties with Iran further improve like with Oman. We are proud of having excellent relations with Oman. We see Oman becoming a strategic point in the next four years, and Iran will make it a point to support Oman in making it the regional hub economically,'' he said.
''Our relations, especially economic cooperation, are excellent due to leaderships of both countries. The value of trade was just US$200mn two years ago, but from 2013 it has been US$600mn, and we hope to increase these numbers soon as there are various Iranian projects coming to Oman through the private sector. Iran, too has Omani investments.''
As Iran is working to improve cooperation in education and agriculture, the Ambassador also called on businessmen and trading firms to make efforts to further enhance economic relations between the two countries.
He said Iran was ready to offer expertise on the Musandam-Iran bridge project. ''Five years ago, we proposed a bridge project and once it happens, it will be connectivity for economic reasons. It will bridge the gap between Oman, Africa and Iran. Iran is ready to offer its expertise on this.''
H E Sibeveih also revealed plans to establish the first Iranian hospital in Oman. ''Plans are in place to establish a world class hospital which will be the hub for medical requirements. It will also help train Omani cadres,'' he said.
To further cultural ties, Iran will open the Farsi language centre in the coming two weeks. The centre will open in Madinat as Sultan Qaboos and will offer courses, not only in Farsi, but also Arabic,'' h
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