Islamabad:Pakistan and Oman have pledged to enhance their bilateral cooperation across various sectors. This commitment was made during a joint press conference held by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Oman's Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi in Islamabad. The event followed the conclusion of the 8th Session of the Pakistan-Oman Joint Ministerial Commission.
According to Radio Pakistan, one of the key outcomes of this session was the establishment of several joint working groups in areas such as trade and investment, agriculture, oil and gas, and human resource development. These groups aim to facilitate regular engagement and ensure effective implementation of the decisions made by the Joint Ministerial Commission.
The officials also announced plans to organize a business-to-business investment and promotion forum in Pakistan. They acknowledged the significant contributions of the Pakistani community in Oman, which fosters strong ties between the two nations. Both sides expressed their commitment to expanding cooperation in labor mobility, vocational training, and human resource development, with a focus on creating new opportunities for skilled Pakistani professionals.
The discussions also covered regional security issues. The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the importance of restraint and dialogue in the Gulf, emphasizing the need for the safety of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab. He condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, reaffirming Pakistan's solidarity with Saudi Arabia in accordance with the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.
Regarding Palestine, Ishaq Dar reiterated support for the Palestinian people and expressed concern over illegal settlements. He emphasized the need for humanitarian assistance to Gaza and a just solution in line with UN resolutions. The issue of Jammu and Kashmir was also raised, with a call for a peaceful resolution based on UN Security Council resolutions.
The Foreign Minister of Oman praised Pakistan's role in regional diplomacy, particularly in facilitating dialogue between Iran and the United States. He noted the longstanding bilateral relations between Oman and Pakistan, based on shared history and mutual respect. Discussions were held on expanding economic cooperation, focusing on trade, investment, food security, and technology.
In response to questions, the Deputy Prime Minister indicated that Pakistan and Oman share common views on regional issues, advocating dialogue and diplomacy as solutions. He also mentioned that the Pakistan-GCC Free Trade Agreement is expected to boost business activities between Pakistan and GCC-member countries.
