Oman Asks for Iran’s Aid in Nuclear Agriculture

(FNA)- Omani Agriculture Minister Fuad bin Jafar bin Muhammad al-Sajwani in a meeting with his Iranian counterpart Mahmoud Hojjati in Tehran on Monday asked for Iran's technical know-how and knowledge in the application of nuclear technology in farming.

"During our yesterday talks, we discussed peaceful applications of nuclear technology in pesticide and we know that Iran is experienced in this field," al-Sajwani said during the meeting.

The Omani agriculture minister also said that his country is willing to share Iran's experiences in quality control and petrochemical industry for pesticide production.

He also noted that his ministry is also willing to make use of Iran's experiences in solar energy and its use for killing pests and insects.

Al-Sajwani pointed to his country's needs to Iran's experiences in other areas, including livestock, as well, and said, "Oman produces merely 23 percent of its protein needs and only 40 percent of its needs to fishery products."

He noted that Oman produces only 40 percent of its domestic need to egg. 

"Oman also plans to conduct studies for purchase of a research vessel and training of Omani experts in Iran," Al-Sajwani said, and added, "The Omani agriculture ministry has plans for manufacturing large vessels and converting small vessels to large ones and we want the Iranian companies to take part in tenders for building such vessels."

The Omani agriculture minister also said that his country wants to transfer Iran's experience and knowledge in shrimp and fish farming.

Earlier in the meeting, the Iranian agricultural Jihad minister pointed to the status quo in Iran-Oman bilateral relations, and said, "Oman shares common sea borders with Iran, and this is a good ground for cooperation between the two countries in various maritime fields, including fishery."

Iranian officials have repeatedly underlined that they attach great importance to the consolidation of Tehran's relations with the Middle-East countries, specially with the Persian Gulf littoral states, in order to protect and promote peace and security in the region.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani traveled to Masqat in March to confer with senior Omani officials on the latest regional and international developments as well as new ways to expand the ties between the two Persian Gulf nations.

The Iranian president underlined that Iran has always had friendly relations with Oman, adding that Tehran is currently more determined to further strengthen bilateral ties with Masqat.

He further referred to the agreements signed during Sultan Qaboos’ visit to Tehran, and said that during his two-day visit he was to follow up the implementation process of the previous agreements.