MUSCAT, Oman (Dispatches) -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday began a two-day visit to Oman, which is mediating ongoing nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington.
Pezeshkian travelled Muscat looking to “establish the best relations with neighbors” and promote peace and stability in the region. 
“We are making this trip at the invitation of the Sultan of Oman. We will act based on the general policies of the Supreme Leader and efforts, and the goal is to establish the best relations with neighbors,” he said in a televised speech before departure.
“We will interact in all possible fields, including scientific, economic, cultural, political, economic and trade. In addition, issues related to the region and its peace and tranquility, as well as the issues that occur in Palestine and Gaza, will be among the topics we will discuss.”
Ahead of Pezeshkian’s visit, Iran’s central bank governor Muhammadreza Farzin arrived in Oman on Monday to discuss “monetary and banking cooperation” and commercial exchanges, according to Iranian media.
In Muscat, Sultan Haitham officially received Pezeshkian at Al Alam Palace with the firing of 21 cannon shots.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, Minister of Cooperatives, Labor, and Social Welfare Ahmad Meydari, Minister of Industry, Mine, and Trade Muhammad Atabak, and Minister of Justice Amin-Hussein Rahimi are accompanying the president in the visit.
During the visit, Iran and Oman were expected to sign several cooperation agreements and discuss key matters related to infrastructure, maritime affairs, and trade.
Iranian and Omani officials would also discuss regional stability and work towards strengthening peace and confronting Israeli aggression in Gaza.
Pezeshkian has urged neighboring countries to unite against the Israeli regime’s criminal behavior.
The visit follows Sultan Haitham’s state trip to Tehran two years ago, which itself was preceded by late President Ebrahim Raisi’s official visit to Muscat.
In his talks with Sultan Haitham, the Iranian president expressed gratitude for Oman’s “active and constructive role” in the ongoing indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States.
“We appreciate the efforts of our friendly and brotherly nation, Oman, in mediating the negotiations, and we hope this process leads to favorable outcomes,” he said.
Pezeshkian emphasized Oman’s strategic importance in the foreign policy of Iran. “The Islamic Republic of Iran has complete confidence in Oman. This trust 
creates a greater responsibility for both sides to strengthen their relations and pursue mutual understandings,” he said.
The president called for regional unity and collective efforts to uphold the dignity of Muslims. 
“We are ready to do everything possible for the dignity and greatness of Muslims. Each of us possesses capacities that we can use for the welfare and progress of one another and other nations in the region,” he said, adding under such circumstances, no external power will be able to subjugate Muslim nations.
The president also expressed gratitude for Oman’s clear positions in support of the Palestinian people, saying “We sincerely thank you for your strong stance on the issue of Gaza and your support for the oppressed.”
He further highlighted Iran’s willingness to enhance cooperation with Oman in various fields, including finance, science, education, technology, and particularly medicine.
“In the medical sector, we can establish constructive relations with Oman. While oil and gas are valuable resources, they are not infinite. The business and industrial communities of both nations need to plan for future generations and strengthen long-term economic foundations.”
Pezeshkian also stressed the importance of facilitating economic and trade exchanges, as well as expanding bilateral cooperation in defense and security.
The Sultan of Oman, for his part, emphasized the need to expand relations between Iranian and Omani ports, as he highlighted the significance of Iran’s North-South railway corridor for Oman’s commercial interests.
Referring to existing security and military ties between the two countries, he said that Muscat is seriously pursuing the path of dialogue and considers the success of Iran as a success for the region. 
He said more support should be lent to energy cooperation between the two countries, adding Oman welcomes any cooperation with Iran, especially in military and shared interests.
He also expressed gratitude for the trust placed in Oman by Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei regarding Oman’s mediating role in the indirect talks with the U.S.
“In this process, we seek no personal gain or interest and act solely out of goodwill. You can be assured that the positions conveyed by you on behalf of Ayatollah Khamenei will be carefully and respectfully considered and followed up on,” Sultan Haitham said.
He also praised the principled positions of the Islamic Republic in defending the rights of the Palestinian people, adding, “Standing firm on the rights of the Palestinian nation and defending the oppressed is valuable and commendable to us.”
Oman, Iran’s neighbor across a narrow strip of sea, has since April facilitated five rounds of talks between Tehran and Washington, which do not have diplomatic relations.
Although the latest meetings in Rome on Friday ended without tangible progress, they were warmly received by U.S. President Donald Trump.
“I think we could have some good news on the Iran front,” the U.S. president said, adding that an announcement could come “over the next two days”.
Iran seeks the removal of illegal sanctions which Trump reimposed at the start of his first tenure in 2015 and has intensified them since assuming office for the second term. 
The talks are the highest-level contact between the countries since the U.S. quit a previous nuclear accord during Trump’s first term.
U.S. President Donald Trump described the latest negotiations on Friday as “very, very good”.
“We hope to engage in dialogue to reach a shared perspective and a common voice on promoting peace and stability in the region,” Pezeshkian said.