This picture shows Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (right) during a meeting with Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said (center) in the presence of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi (center - left) and other officials in Tehran on May 29, 2023. (PHOTO / AFP)

TEHRAN — Relations between Iran and Oman have surpassed the trade stage and been upgraded to that of investment, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said on Sunday, according to the official news agency IRNA.

He made the remarks on the first day of Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq Al Said's visit to the Iranian capital.

Heading a high-ranking delegation, the Omani sultan arrived in Tehran on a two-day visit at Raisi's invitation and was welcomed by Iran's First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber

The two countries' numerous capacities in the fields of industry, trade, communications, defense, security, road and railway, maritime transportation, financial transactions and energy provide them with favorable opportunities to enhance bilateral cooperation, Raisi said.

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The Iranian president noted that Tehran and Muscat have common views toward expanding cooperation, ensuring peace and security in the region, and promoting welfare.

Heading a high-ranking delegation, the Omani sultan arrived in Tehran on a two-day visit at Raisi's invitation and was welcomed by Iran's First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber.

Officials from the two countries discussed an increase in joint investments, calling for setting up a fund by the two states to support joint investments, Raisi added.

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They also discussed expanding cooperation in the transportation, shipping, financial and banking as well as energy sectors.

For his part, Oman's sultan said following the Iranian president's visit to Muscat in May last year, the level of bilateral relations and regional cooperation has improved significantly and annual trade has doubled.

He also said both countries still need to work to lift bilateral relations to a favorable level.