French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian arrived in Muscat Saturday evening, on a visit to the Sultanate of Oman during which he met with a number of senior officials in the Sultanate and held talks with Sayyid Badr bin Saud al Busaidy, Minister Responsible for Defense Affairs.

The French Minister of defense was welcomed by Brigadier Saud bin Khalifa al Hatmi, Head of Military Protocol and Public Relations at COSAF, and the French Ambassador to the Sultanate, Oman News Agency (ONA) reported.

Le Drian and his delegation accompanied toured Nizwa Fort, its old traditional souqs, the Niyabat of Jabel Al Akhdar and Al Hoota Cave as part of the Minister’s visit to the Sultanate.

They were also briefed on the historic stages, archaeology and construction works of the fort witnessed during the era of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

The guest and his accompanying delegation also visited Al Hoota Cave and acquainted themselves with the archaeological diversification and the features of the cave.