The Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Italy held a round of political consultations today in Rome.

The Omani delegation was led by Sheikh Khalifa Alharthy, Foreign Ministry Undersecretary for Political Affairs, while the Italian delegation was headed by Maria Tripodi, Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The consultations reviewed cooperation and ways to expand it, particularly in the areas of economy, investment and cultural cooperation. It also discussed a proposal to elevate the political consultations to a strategic dialogue.

The two delegations also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, particularly developments in the region and the latest efforts to safeguard freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz through cooperation among all concerned parties.