TEHRAN – During a meeting with Oman’s Foreign Minister on Monday, Ali Bagheri Kani, Iran's acting Foreign Minister, emphasized the commitment of Iran and Oman to forging a strong and effective partnership moving forward.

Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi arrived in Tehran on Monday for a series of meetings with Iranian officials, including a significant discussion with Acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani. The Omani Foreign Minister is expected to visit Mohammad Mokhber, Iran’s acting President.

The meeting centered on the latest developments in bilateral, regional, and international relations. Following their discussions, both ministers participated in a joint press conference to elaborate on the outcomes and future directions of their cooperation.

Oman’s Foreign Minister began the press conference by expressing heartfelt condolences for the recent martyrdom of the late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, noting the deep bonds of brotherhood between the two nations. 

"My visit is to convey the brotherly feelings and solidarity we have with Iran during this tragic time," he stated, offering prayers for the martyred officials who lost their lives in a helicopter crash on May 19.

The helicopter carrying Raisi and his entourage crashed around afternoon on Sunday as it was on its way to Tabriz, the capital of East Azerbaijan, from a location on the border with the Republic of Azerbaijan where the Iranian president had opened a major dam project.

He further elaborated on the discussions with Iran’s acting Foreign Minister, highlighting the continuation of consultations between Iran and Oman on various bilateral and regional issues, with a particular focus on Palestine. 

"Our brothers in Palestine are enduring severe oppression, and significant efforts are being made to alleviate their suffering. Our mutual goal is the establishment of an independent Palestinian state," he asserted.

Describing the growing relationship between Iran and Oman, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi noted the ongoing cooperation in trade and cultural exchanges. "Our relations are thriving in multiple areas, including trade agreements and cultural collaborations," he remarked.

Bagheri Kani, on his part, expressed gratitude towards Oman for its supportive gestures during the period of mourning for President Raisi and Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian. He acknowledged the enduring friendship and sincere brotherhood exhibited by Oman, which is deeply appreciated by the Iranian government and its people.

Bagheri Kani continued by discussing the importance of good neighborliness policy in President Raisi's foreign strategy, which emphasizes economic and trade integration with neighboring countries and fostering elite interactions. 

"From the very first day of President Raisi's administration, his approach to foreign policy has been proactive and transparent, building trust and collaboration with our neighbors," he noted.

The acting Foreign Minister emphasized Iran's commitment to maintaining strong ties with its neighbors and working towards regional stability. "Iran is dedicated to ensuring that there are no gaps in its relationships with neighboring countries. We are earnestly working towards creating a safe region in cooperation with all countries," he stated, celebrating the successes of President Raisi's initiatives as significant achievements for both Iran and the broader region.

Upon concluding the press conference, the Omani Foreign Minister also visited the late Iranian Foreign Minister's family and expressed his sincere condolences.

Iran acting FM, Cuban President’s envoy talk enhanced ties

The acting Foreign Minister of Iran also met with Luis Pedroso Cuesta, senior advisor and special envoy of the President of Cuba and discussed matters of bolstering bilateral relations between Tehran and Havana.

Pedroso Cuesta conveyed the heartfelt condolences and sympathies of the Cuban President, government, and people to the Leader of Islamic Revolution, government, and citizens. In response, Bagheri expressed gratitude for the visit, describing the Cuban messages of sympathy as comforting during this challenging period.

Reflecting on Iran’s experience of resilience, solidarity, and cohesion over the past four decades, Bagheri highlighted the nation’s ability to turn threats and challenges into opportunities with the support of its people.

Bagheri further noted that strengthening and deepening Iran-Cuba cooperation aligns with the interests of both countries and supports global multilateralism. 

Pedroso Cuesta expressed confidence in Iran's ability to navigate this sensitive period successfully. He described Iran as Cuba's closest friend in the West Asia region, emphasizing the high level of relations between the two countries and Cuba's readiness to enhance and deepen cooperation, particularly in the economic sector.

The Cuban special envoy also called for ongoing close cooperation between Iran and Cuba in international arenas to counter the increasingly weak, yet still domineering, approach of imperialist powers.