Iran Press/ Middle East: Iran's Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Ali Asghar Mounesan arrived in Muscat on Monday October 21 and was welcomed by Omani minister of tourism Ahmed bin Nasser al-Mahrizi.
According to the embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Muscat, Ali Asghar Mounesan met with accompanied by Iran’s Ambassador to the Persian Gulf country Hojatoleslam Nuri Shahroudi held a meeting with Omani tourism minister.
During the meeting, Oman's tourism minister emphasized that there are those who are concerned about Iran’s return to its true position in the tourism sector, and said: "If this happens, it will overtake competitors and attract the most tourists."
Ahmad bin Nasser noted that there are many castles in Oman whose restoration is difficult and costly which can be made possible by the development of tourism.
In return, Iran's top tourism official said that relations between Iran and Oman have always been friendly and Oman plays a constructive role in the region and country insists on enhancing relations in all areas.
Pointing out that Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has always had a positive view of Oman, he went on to say that increased cooperation in the field of tourism between the two countries can help promote Iran-Oman relations in all areas.
Iranian official stated that Iran has about 8 million outbound tourists annually. By introducing Oman's tourism capacities and attractions, some of these tourists can be encouraged to travel to Oman, and we are also interested in the tourists visiting Oman to visit Iran’s diverse beauties and attractions as well as one million historical sites, medical facilities, well-equipped hospitals and experienced practitioners that all these facilities can be used by Omani tourists too.
Also on Wednesday, Iranian Minister of Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts, and Tourism Ali-Asghar Mounesan and Oman's Minister of Tourism Ahmed bin Nasser Al Mahrizi visit Iran's Handicraft Expo in Muscat.
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On the very Same day Iran’s cultural heritage minister also visited Muscat National Museum and Royal Opera House as part of his trip to the neighboring Persian Gulf country.
As a matter of fact, Wednesday has been marked as the busiest day for Mounesan, for he also had a meeting with several Omani high ranking officials including Omani Health Minister, where he voiced readiness to render medical services to Omani citizens who visit the country for medical treatment.
"Iran’s well-equipped hospitals treat international patients every year. Most sophisticated operations on eyes, kidneys, brain and others are carried out there. Such operations are more cost-effective than other countries," said Ali Asghar Mounesan, inviting Omani nationals to visit Iran for their health services.
In return, Oman’s Health Minister Ahmed Mohammed Obaid Al Saidi described Iran as a country boasting on its unique and most-advanced medical centers in the Middle East.
He added: "Oman is processing the authorization of Iranian medical centers for Omani nationals."
Elsewhere, Al Saidi said his country is to encourage more Omani nationals to choose Iran as a proper destination for medical services.
Also On Wednesday evening, during a meeting with Iran' s Mounesan, the Omani foreign minister bin Alawi praised his country's deep relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran and said Muscat is considering canceling visas for Iranian citizens.
"We have long-standing relations with Iran, and every time I travel to Iran, I feel like I'm in my own country," he added.
Back in September, the Iranian cabinet of ministers approved unilaterally abolishing visa requirements for Omani nationals visiting Iran. Over the past year, the Omani government, too, has facilitated visas for citizens of some certain countries such as Iran, China, and Russia.
In the meeting, they also held talks on the latest developments in both countries relations.
During his stay, Mounesan visited Omani historical works and also Oman tourism exhibition.
Mounesan has been in Muscat upon invitation of his Omani counterpart Ahmad bin Nasser to review bilateral cooperation between Iran and Oman and developing relations. 207
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