French Defense Minister Alain Richard on Monday held talks with Omani officials on boosting military cooperation, the official news agency ONA reported.
He met Oman's minister in charge of defense, Sayed Badr bin Saud bin Hareb al-Bussaidi, and army chief General Ahmad bin Hareth al-Nabahani.
Later the same day, Richard was to hold talks with Sultan Qaboos.
On his arrival from a visit to Uzbekistan, the French minister on Sunday hailed what he termed the "solid" ties between Paris and Muscat.
French arms makers are bidding for several Omani military contracts, aiming to sell Cougar helicopters, light armored vehicles and Mistral missiles. Britain and the United States are the Gulf state's main arms suppliers - Muscat (AFP)
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