Sayyid Fahd, EU leader review ties

Muscat: His Highness Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers received yesterday members of the European Parliamentary delegation led by Michele Alliot-Marie.
Sayyid Fahd reviewed bilateral relations between the Sultanate and the European Union (EU) and avenues of future cooperation between the two sides. He also hailed the role being played by EU in cementing friendship.
Sayyid Fahd also reviewed the comprehensive march of the Omani renaissance led by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, which is based on an integrated system of justice, equality and respect of human rights.
Conversation during the meeting touched on the means that ensure promoting cooperation between the Sultanate of Oman and EU in several fields, particularly parliamentary, economic, scientific and research areas.
The discussion also reviewed the latest developments in the regional and international arenas, as well as efforts made to alleviate tensions and contain their security and economic implications to establish security and stability, enhance values of tolerance and coexistence among people.
On her turn, Michele Alliot-Marie expressed her gratitude and that of her accompanying delegation to visit the Sultanate due to its good reputation and wisdom in dealing with the domestic and foreign developments. They also praised the rapid progress made in all fields, as well as the civilised landmarks they viewed. The EU Parliamentary members also expressed their appreciation to the Majlis Al Shura’s approach.
Dr.Yahya bin Mahfoudh Al Mantheri, Chairman of the State Council and Khalid bin Hilal Al Ma’awali, Chairman of the Majlis Al Shura received Michele Alliot-Marie, Head of the European Parliament Delegation for Relations with the Arab Peninsula and her accompanying delegation.
Boosting cooperation
During the meeting, the leaders reviewed bilateral relations and ways of boosting cooperation between the Sultanate and the EU. The discussions focused on a number of regional and international issues of mutual interest and the latest developments in the region.
Welcoming Michele Alliot-Marie and her delegation, Dr Al Mantheri said that the visit strengthens cooperation between the countries and open new paths between the Sultanate and the European Union. He underlined the importance of strengthening relations in various fields between the Sultanate and the European Union especially in the economic and political fields.
He highlighted the role played by the Sultanate and its stand on many regional issues, owing to the keenness of the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who supports cooperation between the Sultanate and the European Union.
During the meeting, Al Ma’awali gave a briefing on the Majlis Al Shura and its work mechanism.
On her turn, Michele Alliot-Marie hailed the wisdom and farsighted vision of His Majesty the Sultan, particularly in dealing with the political issues in the region, in addition to the Sultanate’s policy of peaceful dialogue and tolerance around the world. She also commended the civilizational and architectural progress in the Sultanate.
The meeting was attended by Eng. Mohammed bin Abu Bakar Al Ghasani, Deputy Chairman of the Majlis, Sheikh Ali bin Nassir Al Mahrouqi, Secretary General of the Majlis Al Shura and Ambassador Adam Kolakh, Head of the European Union Delegation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Sultanate of Oman, Bahrain and Qatar.
On the sideline of the visit, Head of the European Parliament Delegation for Relations with the Arab Peninsula and her accompanying delegation toured facilities of the Council of Oman.