Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in official visit to Oman

Sultan Haitham urges dialogue as leaders discuss war between Russia and Ukraine

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Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tarik in Muscat on Wednesday, to discuss bilateral ties with the Gulf state.

Mr Lavrov was welcomed by Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Al Busaidi as he disembarked from his flight at Muscat International Airport for the one-day visit.

He then travelled to the capital's Al Barakah Palace.

Sultan Haitham and Mr Lavrov talked about the war between Russia and Ukraine.

Sultan Haitham "stressed the need to adhere to the rules of international law and to intensify efforts to reach political and diplomatic solutions through dialogue," Oman's state news agency reported.

Talks should preserve "the independence, sovereignty and sound co-existence of countries and peoples," he said.

Mr Lavrov praised "the Omani wisdom in dealing with various regional and international issues".

Russian state-linked news agency TASS said Mr Lavrov was also expected to meet Deputy Prime Minister of Oman Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said.

Bilateral trade between the two countries has been growing in recent years, with Russia exporting mainly wheat to Oman. In return, Oman exports mostly plastics and perfumes to Russia.

Updated: May 11, 2022, 10:00 AM