WASHINGTON - US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met Thursday with her visiting Omani counterpart Yusuf bin Alawi, calling the meeting "important" in the context of current Mideast situation.

The meeting is not only about "the important relations" with Oman, but also about the "trends and actions that are occurring throughout the region," Clinton told the press as she welcomed Alawi before the meeting started.

She recalled her recent visit to the sultan of Oman several months ago, describing it as an important trip and a "greatly honor" for her.

Alawi, for his part, said the annual bilateral consultation is being held every year "because we have an important relationship to care for."

Alawi was among a number of senior officials from the Gulf states who have visited Washington recently. On Tuesday, US President Barack Obama met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to discuss regional issues. On April 14, Obama met with Qatari Amir Hamad bin Khalifa al- Thani at the White House, expressing his appreciation for the Gulf state's support on his Libya policy.