Iran’s Rouhani visits Oman on first trip to Arab countryMarch 12, 2014 - 13:58 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iranian President Hassan Rouhani is visiting nearby Oman on his first trip to an Arab country since taking office last year. Iran's state TV said Rouhani, who has vowed to improve Tehran's relations with neighbors, landed in Muscat on Wednesday, March 12. A high-ranking economic delegation is accompanying him on the two-day visit aimed at boosting bilateral relations between the two countries. Iran and Oman lie on opposite sides of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, the waterway at the mouth of the Persian Gulf that is the route for one fifth of the world's oil. Saudi Arabia and other Western-allied Gulf Arab nations are wary of Iran's influence. Oman has traditionally had warm relations with Iran and has at times acted as a mediator between Tehran and the West. Related links: Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Armenia, Turkey discuss restoration of historic bridge The meeting took place on May 17 in Ashgabat on the sidelines of an international conference of ministers of culture. India wants Armenia’s proposals on use of Chabahar port India is expecting proposals from Armenia regarding the use of Chabahar port in Iran, Indian ambassador says. EU welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan “progress” The EU has welcomed “progress” made in the framework of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation process. Belarus opposition leader slams Lukashenko for Karabakh trip Belarusian opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has harshly criticized the visit of Lukashenko to Karabakh. |