President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday said that he hoped for the strengthening of relations between India and Oman in the coming times.
President Mukherjee made his statement following the visit of Oman's Commerce and Industry Minister Dr Ali Bin Masoud Al Sunaidy at the Rashtrapati Bhawan on Monday.
"India's relations with Oman are built on the strong foundation of historical and civilizational linkages. India appreciates and values the strategic partnership reflected in the remarkable growth in the two countries overall relationship in recent times," said President Mukherjee.
"Bilateral trade between India and Oman has increased from USD 4.6 billion in 2012-13 to USD 5.77 billion in 2013-14. However, trade remains much below its potential and both sides need to bring it to a higher level commensurate with the depth of the bilateral relationship," he added.
The President further expressed hope that the forthcoming seventh Joint Commission Meeting between the two countries would be productive and would help to further strengthen the economic and trade relations between India and Oman.
During his meeting with the visiting dignitary, President Mukherjee had referred to the 'Make in India' campaign and invited Omani companies to invest in Indian infrastructure and other sectors. The President had also expressed gratitude to Oman for its support to anti-piracy operations and said India is looking forward to the visit to India by the Sultan of Oman.
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Dr. Sunaidy warmly reciprocated the President's sentiments and said friendly nations like India have fuelled Oman's economy and helped its growth. The visiting leader also paid tribute to the Indian community in his country as well as Indian professionals who are contributing to Oman's economy.
Notng the need for the two countries to re-connect, keeping in mind the interests of the youth, Dr Sunaidy also added that India and Oman should do things differently so that relations can multiply rapidly on the terms of the youth and taking into account changes sweeping the world.
Oman is a strategic partner of India in the Gulf region and is an important interlocutor in the bilateral, AGCC and OIC contexts. Oman also accords a high priority to its ties with India. Both countries enjoy warm and cordial relations, which can be ascribed to historical maritime trade linkages, intimacy of the royal family with India and the seminal role of the Indian expatriate community in the building of Oman, which is acknowledged by the Omani Government.