Oman-Iran relations exemplary in region

TEHRAN — President Mahmud Ahmadinejad of Iran received here yesterday Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdallah, Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs, on the sidelines of the international conference on nuclear disarmament. Alawi conveyed the greetings of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos to President Ahmadinejad, along with His Majesty’s wishes of further progress and prosperity to the friendly Iranian people.

The Iranian leader asked Alawi to convey his greetings to His Majesty the Sultan and his best wishes of continued progress to the Omani people. President Ahmadinejad reaffirmed his country’s keenness to foster ties with the Sultanate and described Oman-Iran relations as an excellent example for relations in the region.

Alawi stressed that the reinforcement of bilateral ties serves the interests of the countries of the region and the world at large. Addressing the Conference held under the theme "Nuclear Energy for All… Nuclear Weapons for None", Alawi called for respect of all countries’ rights to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

Alawi pointed out that tackling the spread of weapons of mass destruction is the international community's joint responsibility and that all countries should realise this responsibility. The existing stalemate in the weapons disarmament issue is worrying some, but not reaching a consensus in this respect is a nightmare which is endangering security and stability in the world, Alawi said.

He added that the conference is a new step for co-operation and an opportunity to reach a consensus on weapons non-proliferation and disarmament. — ONA