The discussions dealt with cooperation between the two countries in the fields of economy, investment, science and health. They also explored the possibility for the setting up of joint ventures, cooperation in the IT sector, in addition to encouraging scientific and academic exchanges. The talks also dealt with a number of regional and international issues. The session was attended by Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, minister responsible for foreign affairs; Ahmed bin Abdulnabi Macki, minister of national economy and deputy chairman of the Financial Affairs and Energy Resources Council; Dr Ali bin Mohammed bin Moosa, minister of health; Maqbool bin Ali Sultan, minister of commerce and industry; Dr Mohammed bin Hamad Al Romhi, minister of oil and gas; Sheikh Salem bin Hilal Al Khalili, minister of agriculture and fisheries; Hamad bin Mohammed Al Rashdi, minister of information; Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Harthy, minister of transport and communications; Dr Rawiyah bint Saud Al Busaidiyah, minister of higher education; Khadeeja bint Hassan Al Lawatiya, the Sultanates ambassador to the Netherlands, and Mohammed bin Taher Aideed, head of the European Department at the Foreign Ministry. From the Netherlands side, it was attended by the Netherlands ambassador to the Sultanate, and the delegation accompanying the prime minister. Dr Jan Peter Balkenende said later yesterday the talks he had with His Majesty the Sultan was successful and he was impressed by the efforts of His Majesty the Sultan in heralding progress to the nation as well as His Majestys stance on regional issues. Dr Balkenende said his talks also covered the regional security issue and relations between the European Union and the Netherlands, the Sultanate and other regional countries, issue of terrorism and dialogues between religions. He also expressed his pleasure on religious tolerance prevailed in the Sultanate. PIN/ONA