Dr Steinmeier hailed the role played by Oman in maintaining balance in the region and its sustained efforts for a peaceful solution to issues and conflicts.

He said 'We were re-briefed on the role through the Syrian crisis and came to a common assessment with the sultanate that what we have started in Vienna through the two international conferences that concluded with the announcement of cessation of all hostilities will be the base for improving the humanitarian aid services in Syria.'

He pointed out that bilateral issues have topped discussions and that Oman and Germany have agreed to enhance them.

Dr Steinmeier added that 2016 is the year in which talks will be held on a senior levela move that takes place every two years to boost ties. In his media statement he said that this year the focus will be on SMEs promoting innovation in Oman especially in the healthcare sector.

Saying that this is his first visit to Oman in ten years he said that he had met H E Alawi several times at international conferences at the UN General Assembly and in Berlin. 'We affirmed that we will do our best to resolve conflicts in the Middle East.'

The German minister said that both sides discussed the crisis in Yemen the likelihood of a political solution and the possibility of UN-sponsored talks.

He said that Germany and Oman both agree against a military option and that a political solution will be ideal for all parties.

'This depends on enhancing our efforts to come back to political talks. We thank the sultanate for its endeavours in political talks which opened the way for Geneva talks' he said.

'We have taken into consideration the opinion of the Syrian opposition yesterday and that the truce helped in improving humanitarian and relief aid. This will give us hope that the truce will continue and will also give us the impetus to continue political talks.'

On tourism he said that German tourists prefer Oman for its varied offerings.

On his part H E Alawi said that the German minister's visit has been fruitful and that he looked forward to more such meetings.

He said that Oman can benefit from Germany which is one of the most advanced countries especially in promoting SMEs. 'We will support this trend within the framework of the Omani-German Joint Committee which will hold its next meeting in Muscat.'

H E Alawi said Germany has immense technological expertise especially in healthcare adding that health institutions in Oman especially the Sultan Qaboos Medical City can benefit from this.

On political relations and common views on crises H E Alawi hailed Germany's role in Europe through the EU. He said Germany always proposes good ideas to promote stability and find peaceful solutions. He affirmed that Oman supports this role especially in Yemen.

H E Alawi said consultations between Oman and Germany will continue on solving conflicts in the region. He said that he is looking forward to meeting the German foreign minister again and that he believes that there is a good opportunity to reach an accord among the warring factions in Yemen thanks to the role played by UN.

On tourism he said 'The number of German tourists visiting the sultanate is growing remarkably and they are most welcome. Many Germans re-visit Oman due to warm hospitality and for its culture and history.'