
Oman, Qatar explore means of enhancing bilateral cooperation
Muscat: Sheikh Khalifa Ali Al Harthy, Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Political Affairs received here on Tuesday Sheikh Mubarak Fahad Al Thani, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Sultanate of Oman.
During the meeting, the two sides reviewed bilateral relations. They also explored means of enhancing bilateral cooperation in various fields of mutual interest.
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