Pranab to leave for Oman tomorrow

New Delhi, Mar 9 (UNI) Seeking to consolidate bilateral relations, Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee leaves here tomorrow for Oman on a three-day visit to the Gulf Sultanate.

The visit is part of high-level exchanges between the two countries coinciding with the celebrations of the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Oman.

According to an official spokesman here, the Defence Minister's visit is indicative of the commitment of the leadership of both countries to consolidate and strengthen the existing relations including closer cooperation in the defence sphere signifying continued long-standing friendly bilateral relations.

Defence Minister Mukherjee's visit follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation between the two countries in December last and reflects the desire of both India and Oman to interact frequently at the highest levels.

Minister Mukherjee is slated to meet the top leadership of Oman and hold discussions on issues of defence cooperation and business opportunities for the Indian defence production units.

The Minister will also be meeting members of the Indian community in Oman before returning home on March 12.

UNI DG VD ND1702