The annual regular meeting of the Omani-Iranian Military Friendship Joint Committee began at Al Shafaq Club of the Sultan’s Armed Forces (SAF) Sunday and lasts till 19 April.

The Omani side was led by Brigadier General Hamad bin Rashid al-Balushi, SAF Assistant Chief-of-Staff for Operations and Planning whilst the Iranian side was led by Brigadier General Dr. Qadeer Nizami, Deputy Chief of Iranian Armed Forces for International Affairs.

The meeting discussed a range of topics listed on the agenda that would contribute in strengthening ties of the existing cooperation in military fields between the two friendly countries, as well as discussing aspects of activities of the committee, according to Oman News Agency (ONA).

Early in March, the Iranian Navy’s 60th flotilla, comprising a destroyer and two warships, stayed at Oman’s Port Sultan Qaboos in Muscat for 4 days, Fars News Agency (FNA) said.

The Commander of the Flotilla Admiral Reza Bodaqi said at the time that the objectives of the visit were to convey Iran’s message of peace and friendship, to preserve security in the region, to learn about various cultures, and to strengthen marine and military ties with other countries.

He also expressed hope that peace and stability would continue to prevail in the region.

In a related front, high-ranking Iranian and Omani military officials met in May in Tehran where they reiterated the need for the further development of defense ties and cooperation between the two countries.

During the meeting between Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami and General al-Balushi, the deputy commander of the Royal Army of Oman, the two officials underscored the importance of expansion of bilateral relations, especially in military and defense fields.