Iran to Invest $4 bn in Duqm

Iran will invest $4 billion in the industrial port of Al Duqm and will also implement a number of mega projects in the Sultanate as part of the deep-rooted relationship between the two countries, indicating that the port will be a connecting link between Iran, Gulf States and several Asian Countries.

This was stated by Ali Akbar Sibawaih, the accredited Ambassador of Iran to the Sultanate, during a press conference yesterday. Addressing a press conference on the occasion of the 53rd anniversary for the Islamic Republic’s celebrations of the victory of the Iranian Revolution, he hailed the deep rooted brotherly relations between Oman and Iran under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos and Iranian President Dr Hassan Rouhani.

The ambassador said the relationship between the Sultanate and Iran is based on mutual respect and cooperation in areas which serve the interests of both friendly peoples and countries. The ambassador praised the wisdom of His Majesty the Sultan, which is recognised at the regional and international levels.

He also hailed the Sultanate’s policy in serving peace and stability to serve the interest of the region and its peoples. The ambassador pointed out that the Sultanate and Iran agreed on a number of economic projects.

‘Work is also under way to extend a gas pipeline between the Sultanate and Iran. This pipeline will be ready after two years from signing the agreement,” he added. Furthermore, Iran will build a huge hospital equipped with all facilities needed in addition to a department specialised for training doctors and nurses, as well.

The ambassador affirmed that the Sultanate would become a hub and leading communication for transit goods to the GCC countries, Yemen, East Africa and Iran; thanks to the Duqm Port and the railways that will connect the Sultanate to the GCC countries as well as the vast road network in the Sultanate.

In fact, he said Oman can take advantage of the fish farming strategy being implemented by Iran. He also indicated that many Iranian companies have expressed their readiness to work in the Sultanate, especially in roads and oil fields excavations as Iran has the enough experience in this domain.

Regarding the gas pipe from Iran to the Sultanate, he said: “The project will be completed after two years and the price of the gas will be suitable for the Sultanate.

Oman will get a number of concessions as many ships from all over the world will be fuelled from the Iranian gas available at Duqm Port.” He added that amicable reactors used by Iran will be experienced in the Sultanate, particularly in agriculture and energy domains.

Thus, we would like to thank the Omani government for their unlimited support to bolster the relationship with foreign countries. In fact, Iran overcame various foreign obstacles as, currently, there are 140 French companies operating in Iran. He asserted that Iran has no intention to make any nuclear bomb as Islam forbids such a deed.

The ambassador also said that Iran and Oman have signed a memorandum in the field of scientific cooperation, sciences and advanced technologies. A Persian Language Centre will be opened soon in Muscat and the centre will not only teach Persian language but Arabic as well. The centre will enhance cultural relations between the two friendly countries.

Regarding Iran’s relationship with GCC countries, the Iranian ambassador said: “At the time the new government came to power, it extended the hand of cooperation with other countries in the region. President Dr Hassan Rouhani extended the hand of cooperation to all the neighbouring countries.”

“The positive participation of his country at the nuclear talks and the recent nuclear accord in Geneva with 5+1 Group came after the negotiations with the West. Iran was accepted as a member of the International Nuclear Club,” he added.