ISLAMABAD, Aug 5: Oman has lauded President General Pervez Musharraf for his courageous leadership and for the positive steps taken by him for reducing tension in the region.

The appreciation was conveyed by the Foreign Minister of Oman who called on him here Monday to deliver a message from Sultan Qaboos.

The president informed the minister about the latest Indo-Pakistan situation and the steps taken by Pakistan to defuse the stand-off resulting from the massive Indian troops buildup on the borders.

The president underscored the need for India to enter into a meaningful dialogue so that the core issue of Kashmir is resolved peacefully.

The minister accompanied by a four-member delegation arrived in Islamabad this morning as the Special Envoy of Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

The Omani minister stated that Oman had an abiding interest in the region’s peace and security.

In a separate meeting with the Minister of State of Foreign Affairs Inamul Haque, the visiting Omani minister discussed bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest.—APP