MNA � Omani member of the parliament said that his country is interested in broadening trade and business ties with the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The relationship between Iran and Oman is �historic�, he said, adding, �the level of bilateral trade exchanges between Iran and Oman is not satisfactory due to lack of a direct sea route.�

The amicable relationship between Islamic Republic of Iran and Oman dates back to many years ago [before the glorious victory of the Islamic Revolution], he said, adding, �the mutual ties between Iran and Oman strengthened especially after the Islamic Revolution, so that Oman played a leading role in paving suitable ways for the implementation of nuclear talks dubbed �JCPOA� between Iran and six world�s major powers.�

Although the two sides held separate high-level meetings in the previous years, it seems that trade ties between Iran and Oman is not �satisfactory�, he emphasized.

Turning to the political and economic status of Oman in the region, he said, �Oman enjoys strategic situation in the Persian Gulf region, Arabian Peninsula and Indian Ocean, the issue of which caused this country to play an important role in economic fields.�

Elsewhere in his remarks, he referred to the outlook of economic ties between Iran and Oman in comparison with other Persian Gulf littoral states despite US sanctions and said, �as a matter of fact, level of trade exchanges between Iran and Oman is not satisfactory but the two sides are interested in increasing volume of their trade and economic activities especially in joint gas and oilfields.�

Regarding the nature of relationship between Islamic Republic of Iran and Oman and role of Oman as a mediating country in nuclear issue, he reiterated, �Iran is an influential and powerful country in the region with high economic and industrial potentials. The relationship between Iran and Oman is deep rooted which has been based on mutual respect in a way that the two countries can play a greater economic role in the region.�