Muscat: Jean-Yves Le Drian, the French Minister of Defence, affirmed that Oman is a good example of a country that adopts a moderate policy that respects the safety of other countries and one that is keen on combating terrorism.

Le Drian hailed the balanced role played by the sultanate in promoting security and stability in the region considering the crises and conflicts witnessed by the region.

He made these remarks during a press conference he held on Monday at the French embassy in Muscat as part of his official visit to Oman that lasted three days.

“I want to thank Oman for the constant endeavours to reach sound political and peaceful solutions to thorny issues,” he said. He added that he discussed with Omani officials strategic issues that serve both sides and develop bilateral relations.

He affirmed that the sultanate has the political ability to reach peaceful resolutions to all issues in the region. Le Drian explained that the relation between Oman and France was enhanced by the French president’s visit to Oman in 1996 on the occasion of the opening of House of France in Muscat.

On military cooperation, the minister affirmed that many of the French military units stop by Oman to resupply. There is cooperation between Omani and French military schools.

Le Drian said that France is ready to be the main provider of weapons to Oman if needed. “Oman has many French weapons like helicopters, and I was on board one of them on Monday. We will meet the demands of Omani government to provide them with the highest standards and technologies of weapons,” he said.

The French defence minister also touched on Omani cooperation and support to the successful efforts made by France and the Nato to combat piracy in the Arabian Sea.

Le Drian said the Omani initiative in Yemen is positive and France supports Oman to reach peaceful solutions.

On Libya, the minister said that France has no secret war there and that it is not involved in the Libyan crisis. He added that France does not fight in Libya whether in a direct way or in secret.

“We only provide the Libyan government and the president Fayez Al Sarraj with support when it needed,” said the minister. We recognise the Libyan government and support them. We hope that all parties in Libya would work with the government to achieve national unity,” said the minister.