Pakistan, Oman agree to deepen bilateral ties in diverse fields

Islamabad: Pakistan and Oman on Monday reiterated their desire to further enhance bilateral relations in all areas of mutual interest.

The understanding to this effect reached during a meeting between President Dr. Arif Alvi and the Omani Chief of Staff of Sultan's Armed Forces, Vice Admiral Abdullah bin Khamis Al-Raisi, who along with the members of his delegation called on the President in Islamabad on Monday.

Both the sides underscored the need to further increase cooperation in the areas of trade, defence and culture.

Welcoming the Omani delegation, the President said that Pakistan highly valued its ties with Oman as the two countries supported each other on various issues at international fora and were bound together by a common religion, history, and cultural heritage.

He informed the delegation that Pakistan offered investment opportunities in various sectors of its economy, particularly agriculture.

He added that cooperation in the agriculture sector was highly important for the food security needs of the two countries.

Dr Arif Alvi also suggested starting a ferry service between Gwadar and Muscat to bring the two countries further closer.

The two sides also admired the leadership of Iran and the Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammad bin Salman, over the normalization of relations, terming it a significant development for the prosperity of the region.

The President also briefed the delegation about the grave human rights situation in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

He thanked the Sultanate of Oman for supporting Pakistan's stance on the Jammu and Kashmir Dispute.

During the meeting, Vice Admiral Abdullah bin Khamis Al-Raisi conveyed warm regards of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq bin Taimur to President Arif Alvi.