Qaboos, Mubarak discuss Mideast issues

His Majesty Sultan Qaboos discussed with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in Sharm El Sheikh a number of issues, especially the current developments in the Middle East.

The talks, in continuation of brotherly meetings between the two leaders as part of the Omani monarch's private visit to Egypt, dealt with distinguished relations between the two countries and ways and means to further strengthen them, according to Oman Television.

The meeting took place in the midst of growing condemnation of the terror attacks on the U.S. on Tuesday, which destroyed the World Trade Centre in New York and damaged the Pentagon in Washington. Thousands of people are feared dead.

The Omani government was quick to denounce the attacks, saying it "has no doubt that the culprits will be brought to book and the international community will stand behind the U.S. in maintaining security and stability in a manner that is based on greater transparency".

The U.S. embassy, which is working closely with Omani security officials to monitor the local situation, returned to its routine yesterday as the visa section, closed on Wednesday, was re-opened.

"We are back to normal level operations," a spokesperson of the embassy told Gulf News, adding that Americans living in Oman should continue to practise heightened security awareness and review security precautions. A memorial service was held at the embassy on Wednesday evening under tight security.

The American International School, Muscat, which was closed on Wednesday to mourn the victims, re-opened yesterday. So did the American-British Academy, now in its 13th year.

The foundation-stone for the American International School was laid by former president George Bush, father of the current president.