Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister Sayyid Fahad bin Mahmood Al-Said has said that Nepal has high strategic value and suggested visiting Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba to reap benefit out of the development of its two giant neighbours India and China.

PM Deuba, who is on four-day official visit to Oman, held a meeting with Oman’s DPM at Royal Palace in Omani Capital Muscat on Tuesday.

DPM Al-Said represented Oman’s Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said while meeting with Nepali PM Deuba due to the Sultan’s ailing health.

The Omani DPM said that Oman will open its embassy in Nepal to boost up bilateral ties between these two countries.

“Nepalis workers working in Oman have made a good impression,” Nepali Ambassador to Oman Sharmila Parajuli Dhakal quoted the Omani DPM, “Oman will open a consulate in Nepal as it carries significant strategic importance.”

PM Deuba stressed on Oman’s assistance for the development of health, tourism, hydropower and agriculture sector of Nepal. “We are in the verge of ending the transitional phase in Nepal,” said PM Deuba, “Nepal will soon become a perfect destination for foreign investors and we hope that Oman will invest in Nepal.”

The discussions were also held on creation of job opportunities for Nepali people in Oman and mechanisms to protect their interest, according to Ambassador Dhakal. It is learnt that Omani DPM said that as Oman requires more human capital for its development, Nepali people would be in their utmost priority.

There are around 15,000 Nepalis working in Oman. They are engaged in hotel sector and domestic help.