Oman working to reduce US-Iran tension

Munich: Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs, said that the Sultanate works for easing of tension in the Arab Gulf region but he ruled out any military confrontation for now.
In a dialogue session dedicated to addressing tension in the region on the sidelines of Munich Security Conference, Alawi said, “We keep contacts with the United States and Iran as part of our relations with the two countries. We feel that it is possible for the two to engage in dialogue. We work to ease tension in the region and we do not expect the occurrence of any military confrontation in the region at present.”
“Some have a right to feel anxious about the escalation of tension in the region,” said Alawi. He added, “Iran is a great country and a neighbour, and if we regulate our interests, that would give us a feeling of peace.”
Alawi pointed out that the massive presence of military vessels in the Strait of Hormuz “might lead to the occurrence of any mistakes and the escalation of tension.” He called upon friends to consider the present risks to the security of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Also during the conference, bin Alawi met with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, and discussed bilateral relations between the two countries.
He also met with the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union Josep Borel and discussed areas of cooperation and coordination between the Sultanate and the European Union on regional issues and issues of common concern. Alawi also met with Muhammad Ali Al Hakim, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iraq.
The 56th session of Munich Security Conference included heads of states and governments who convened to discuss the current crises and future security challenges. The Sultanate’s participation in this conference stems from its keenness on the achievement of security and peace in the region.
-With ONA inputs