Tehran – Governors of Central Bank of Iran Valiollah Seif and his Omani counterpart Hamood Sangour al-Zadjali signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the aim to boost banking cooperation between the two countries.
In a meeting here on Sunday, in addition to the governors of the both Central Banks, Deputy Foreign Minister of Oman Badr bin Hamad Albusaidi and representatives of a number of commercial banks of the two countries were present.
Seif said that political relations between the two countries are age-old, but their economic ties are not expanded as much as their political one.
He said that banking relations is a prerequisite for trade and economic ties, adding that such meetings will be held every six months between the two groups so that all possible problems and obstacles to be considered.
Governor of Omani Central Bank said that banking relations should reach the expected level, because diplomatic relations are desirable.
Hamood Sangour called on bankers of both countries to promote and boost bilateral ties.
He voiced Oman's interest to open bank branches in Iran, and said that Saderat and Melli banks had been active in Oman and 'now we expect Omani banks' activities in Iran'.
Deputy Foreign Minister of Oman Badr bin Hamad Albusaidi underlined his optimism to expand banking ties between the two countries and said that political relations between Iran and Oman is upon reciprocal confidence and banking cooperation may continue trade convergence between the two states.
He said that Oman is committed itself to establish banking and trade ties with Iran and try to remove every kind of obstacles on the way of cooperation.
Deputy Foreign Minister of Iran Morteza Sarmadi said that the two countries are forming their cooperation bases and undoubtedly in case of lack of banking ties, economic and trade activities could not reach a desirable level.
To fulfill such relations a lot of efforts should be done, including full removal of banking obstacles, Sarmadi said.
© IRNA 2017
