MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The German Foreign Ministry emphasized that the participation of the Omani Sultanate in the upcoming Vienna talks would be crucial for building bridges between Tehran and Riyadh, known to support opposing parties in Syria.
"Your country is important for the entire region not only due to Oman’s relationship with the neighboring Gulf Arab states, but also because of its close ties with Iran," German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said at a joint press conference with his Omani counterpart, Yusuf bin Alawi.
Iran backs the Assad's legitimate administration and, together with Russia, has been calling to allow the president and his government institutions to play a role in Syria's future political transition.
Two weeks ago, the top Iranian diplomat sat down for the first time at the negotiating table with US and Saudi counterparts in Vienna to discuss the Syrian peace process, alongside Russia, Turkey and a dozen of other EU and regional nations.