Oman and Turkey called Monday for urgent measures to revive the Middle East peace process, saying dialogue was the best tool to resolve differences, according to the Gulf News.
Omani Foreign Minister Yusuf bin Alawi and his Turkish counterpart Ismael Cem held wide-ranging talks in Ankara, with both sides expressing the need to bring the two sides to the negotiating table as soon as possible to ensure peace and stability in the region.
The latest developments in the region and elsewhere were reviewed in detail, with both sides pleased with the outcome of the discussions. The two sides expressed keenness to boost bilateral ties.
Alawi's visit, his first to Turkey, has come in the midst of a US-brokered truce in the region.
Diplomatic observers attached great importance to the visit not only because of its timing, but also because of the fact that Turkey has close diplomatic links with Israel, said the paper.
"Oman remains a very important country in the region not only because of its strategic location but also because of its history," a senior diplomat told Gulf News.
"Oman has the ability and the capacity to play a crucial role in the region."
Alawi conveyed a verbal message from Sultan Qaboos to Turkish President Ahmed Needat Sezer, dealing with ways and means of strengthening bilateral ties. He also conferred with Turkish premier Bulent Ecevit, the paper added - Albawaba.com
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