Oman visit will impart substantial momentum to ties: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said his visit to Oman and talks with the oilrich Gulf nation's top leadership will impart a "substantial momentum" to all spheres of bilateral ties.
“This Oman visit is one I will cherish for a long time to come,” Modi tweeted before concluding his two-day visit to Oman during which the two countries signed eight agreements, including one on enhancing defence cooperation.
“This visit has helped in building upon the centuriesold ties between our enterprising people, and will impart a substantial momentum to our relations in all spheres, including trade and investment relations,” Modi said.
“Thank you, your Majesty Sultan Qaboos (bin Said al Said) for your exceptional warmth, hospitality and friendship, as also your personal attention to details, that made my visit to Oman one of the most memorable visits I have undertaken anywhere,” the Prime Minister said.
Modi also expressed gratitude to the Sultan and the people of Oman for their tremendous support, goodwill and affection.
“We are deeply honoured and we look forward to the forthcoming 50th anniversary of your stewardship of Oman,” he said as he concluded his three-nation visit to the Palestine, the UAE and Oman.
Modi, who arrived here from Dubai on the final leg of his three-nation tour, led talks with Sultan Qaboos last night on a wide range of issues.
During the meeting, several aspects of the existing cooperation between the two countries and means of promoting the good relations between them were discussed, the official Oman News Agency reported.
“Charting out new frontiers in our bilateral relationship, PM @narendramodi-led delegation-level talks with Sultan Qaboos of Oman. The two strategic partners discussed to strengthen cooperation in trade & investment, energy, defence & security, food security and regional issues,” Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.
Sultan Qaboos appreciated the contribution of “honest and hard working” Indian nationals in the development of Oman. After their talks, the two sides signed eight agreements, including an memorandum of understanding on legal and judicial cooperation in civil and commercial matters. They also signed an agreement on mutual visa exemption for holders of diplomatic, special, service and official passports and an MoU on cooperation in the field of health, tourism and peaceful uses of outer space.
The two sides also signed annexure to the MoU on military cooperation. According to Oman News Agency, it envisages the services of Duqm Port and dry-dock for the maintenance of Indian military vessels.
Secretary- General of Oman's Ministry of Defence Mohammed bin Nasser al Rasbi said there were many areas of cooperation with the Indian side, whether in the field of joint exercises, training or courses, as well as exchange of experiences between the two sides and some defence purchases and projects.
India's Ambassador Indra Man Pandey said signing the MoUs will promote cooperation between the two countries. He said the Indian companies have a strong presence in Oman and have significant investments in the Omani free zones and ports in Suhar and Salalah.