Pakistan, Oman vow to expand bilateral cooperation in multiple fields

ISLAMABAD -- Pakistan and Oman have reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening and expanding bilateral cooperation across the broad spectrum of different fields.

The resolve was expressed during a joint press stakeout of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Foreign Minister of Oman Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi, in Islamabad today after conclusion of the 8th Session of Pakistan-Oman Joint Ministerial Commission.

The Deputy Prime Minister said the key outcome of the Session is strengthening of our institutional framework through the establishment and operationalization of several joint working groups including in the fields of trade and investment, agriculture, oil and gas, labour and human resource development.

He said these mechanisms will ensure regular engagement and effective implementation of the decision taken by the Joint Ministerial Commission.

The Deputy Prime Minister said both sides agreed to hold a business-to-business investment and promotion forum in Pakistan soon.

He said we also acknowledged the valuable contribution of the Pakistan community in Oman, which continues to serve as a strong bridge between two brotherly countries. He further said that both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in the labour mobility, vocational training and human resource development and to create new opportunities for skilled Pakistani professionals and workers.

Ishaq Dar said we exchanged views on the evolving situation in the Gulf, underscoring the importance of restraint, de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy. We highlighted the need to ensure the safety and freedom of navigation through the state of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab, given their critical importance to regional and global food and energy security.

The Deputy Prime Minister said Pakistan remains committed to contributing constructively to diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region.

Regarding Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, he condemned these attacks and underscored that attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure are totally unacceptable, violation of international law and pose a serious threat to regional peace and security. He also reaffirmed Pakistan's full solidarity with the leadership and people of Saudi Arabia and expressed unwavering commitment to sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of Saudi Arabia in accordance with Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.      

Turning to Palestine, Ishaq Dar reiterated principled and unwavering support for the Palestinian people and their inalienable rights.

He said both Pakistan and Oman expressed concern over the continued expansion of illegal settlements and efforts to alter the status of our Quds al-Sharif. We emphasized the urgent need for the unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza and reaffirmed our support for a just and lasting solution in accordance with relevant UN resolutions.

The Deputy Prime Minister said he also raised the issue of Jammu and Kashmir with Foreign Minister of Oman, which remains a long-standing, unresolved international dispute. He reiterated Pakistan's call for a just and peaceful solution in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

In his remarks, the Foreign Minister of Oman said the 8th Session of the Oman-Pakistan Joint Ministerial Commission provided an opportunity to review the state of bilateral relations and identify avenues for further strengthening cooperation between the Oman and Pakistan.

He appreciated Pakistan's constructive role in facilitating dialogue and supporting diplomatic efforts in the region, including its role in the negotiations between Iran and the United States. He said such efforts are important in creating opportunities for engagement, building confidence and advancing peaceful solutions to regional challenges.

The Foreign Minister of Oman said both sides reaffirmed the strength of the long-standing bilateral ties founded on shared history, geographical proximity, mutual respect and enhancing and enduring connections between our peoples.

He said both sides underscored their commitment to building these ties on solid foundation and advancing a partnership that responds to the aspirations and priorities of both nations.

The Foreign Minister of Oman said our discussions focused on expanding economic and commercial cooperation with particular emphasis on trade and investment, connectivity logistic, food security, technology, and other areas of mutual interest.  

Replying to a question, the Deputy Prime Minister said Pakistan and Oman are on the same page and have commonality of views regarding Hormuz, Bab al-Mandab or any other issue. He said dialogue and diplomacy is the only way forward as conflict is no solution to any issue.

Replying to another question, Ishaq Dar said the Pakistan-GCC Free Trade Agreement will certainly help expand the business activities between Pakistan and GCC-member countries.