Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov stayed on a visit to Muscat on February 17-18. He was received by Sultan of Oman Qaboos bin Said Al Said, to whom he conveyed a written message from Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, and held talks with Omani Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs Yusuf bin Alawi.

A thorough exchange of views took place on the situation in the Middle East, including in light of the tasks in securing a durable ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The sides voiced a common view regarding necessity of doing everything possible to stabilize the situation and support Egypt’s efforts to organize a national Palestinian dialogue. The Omani colleagues were informed of the contacts held by the Russian side in the region and of its preparatory efforts towards convening an international Middle East conference in Moscow and imparting to it a comprehensive character to resume the peace process.

A special place in the talks was held by discussion of the situation in the Persian Gulf area. The necessity was emphasized of searching for politico-diplomatic solutions to the problems existing in the region, including the safeguarding of security there. The concept advanced by Russia in this connection and its appropriate efforts received a positive assessment from Oman, which currently chairs the Gulf Cooperation Council.

There was stressed the commonality of the two countries’ approaches toward fostering a dialogue of civilizations on the basis of equality and tolerance, mutual respect of the religious specifics, traditions and historical experience of each other and joint action in the fight against extremism, terrorism and other challenges.

A substantive conversation also took place regarding the development of bilateral economic, trade and investment cooperation, including in such industries as the oil and gas sector, energy, high technologies, and tourism.