Pakistan, Oman stress urgent, unconditional ceasefire in Gaza

Islamabad: Pakistan and Oman on Tuesday underlined the need for an urgent and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza and creation of a viable, sovereign and contiguous State of Palestine.

The resolve was expressed during eighth session of the Pakistan-Oman Bilateral Political Consultations, which were held in Muscat city of Oman.

Additional Foreign Secretary (Middle East), Ambassador Shehryar Akbar Khan led the Pakistani side, while the Chief of GCC and Regional Neighborhood Department, Ambassador Sheikh Ahmad bin Hashil bin Rashid Al Maskari of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman, represented his country.

The two sides expressed serious concerns over Israel’s war against Gaza and the genocide of the Palestinian people. 

Regional and global matters of mutual concern were also discussed in the session.  

The two sides also comprehensively reviewed all aspects of bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Oman, including political relations, trade and investment, security and defence, culture, health and consular matters. Pakistan-Oman cooperation at multilateral fora was also discussed.

The two sides also agreed to further elevate bilateral trade volume and to enhance investment cooperation. The Omani side was invited to invest in agriculture, minerals and Information Technology under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).

The Omani side expressed support for the First Pakistani Business Expo to be held in Muscat on the 13-14 October 2024. It also welcomed Pakistan's decision to give visas on arrival to Omani nationals.

Additional Foreign Secretary (Middle East) appreciated the Sultanate of Oman for its persistent and principled support on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

The Pakistani delegation also called on the Under Secretary for Diplomatic Affairs, Sheikh Khalifa bin Ali bin Issa Al-Harthy. The Under Secretary shared Oman’s desire to further strengthen Pakistan-Oman relations and to advance bilateral dialogue and cooperation.

The Bilateral Political Consultations are an important dialogue mechanism between Pakistan and Oman to comprehensively review bilateral relations and to explore new areas of cooperation to further solidify the historic and strategic ties between the two countries.