French defence minister appreciates Oman's role in solving regional conflicts

Muscat: French Defence Minister Jean Yves Le Drian said he appreciates Oman’s important role in seeking peaceful solutions and resolving regional crises, such as the one in Yemen.
The French minister, currently on a three-day visit to the Sultanate, added: “We should always seek political solutions to any conflicts. We appreciate Oman’s role in solving regional conflicts and we think that Oman has the political ability to do so and we support that.”
Speaking about the purpose of his visit to Oman, he said France and Oman share wonderful relations and such visits are part of reaffirming that relationship.
“We also discussed combating terrorism and finding solutions in order to bring peace. Oman and France have military and security connections and with our marine cooperation, a number of marine units stop at the port in Oman.”
He also announced that France would cooperate with Oman in training the country’s special forces. “We will also conduct joint training between the two countries and boost this cooperation in the special forces.”
Talking about Iraq, he said France has been a victim of continuous terrorist attacks on its soil. “We as French continue to fight IS in our land, and in the Raqqa and Mosul cities, which the IS claims are lands of the Caliphate.”
“Oman has played an important role in fighting the roots of piracy and we respect the supremacy of Oman.”
Speaking about Libya, the minister said, “There is a temporary government in Libya, which is recognised and supported by the international community; we don’t fight in Libya, not directly or secretly, and the IS has failed in Libya.”