The first meeting took place when Mr. Rahmani met Dr. Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidi, Oman’s Minister of Commerce and Industry.

IRAN NEWS ECONOMIC DESK

The meeting reviewed indicators of inter-trade and means of increasing the trade exchange and direct investment between the two countries, as well as promoting the bilateral cooperation relations between the Sultanate and the Islamic Republic of Iran in various economic fields, minerals and labor force.

During the meeting both sides expressed satisfaction over the expansion of bilateral trade especially in recent years and called for enhancing the current trade volume to $4b. They also discussed other issues which are to be discussed in the 18^th joint economic commission.

Mr. Rahmani, for his part, pointed to the abundant historical, cultural and neighborly commonalities between both countries, adding that political relation of both states is in good level and it is necessary that both sides to boost their economic cooperation especially in industrial and mining sectors and joint investment and re-export.

He also announced Iran’s readiness for holding the 18^th joint economic cooperation meeting which will be held in the second half of the year in Tehran and called for a meeting between strong private companies of both states.

Al Sunaidi, for his part, reiterated that Oman has always been after expanding bilateral ties with Iran, adding that Iran enjoys having good capabilities and capacities and Oman is eager to take advantage of it in compliance with national interests of both countries.

The meeting was attended from the Omani side by Undersecretary of Ministry of Commerce and Industry and some officials at the ministry, whilst it was attended from the Iranian side by a number of officials at the areas of trade, mining and shipping.

The second meeting happened when Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Futaisi, Minister of Transport and Communications received in his office yesterday Reza Rahmani, Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade in the Islamic Republic of Iran and his accompanying delegation, currently visiting Oman.

The two sides reviewed fields of enhancing the existing cooperation between the two countries relating to transport and communications sectors, in addition to discussing matters of common concern for the interest of the two countries.

The meeting was attended by Said bin Hamdoon al-Harthy, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport and Communications for Ports and Maritime Affairs and officials in the ministry.