Zubair Qureshi Islamabad
Pakistan and Oman have reiterated the desire to further enhance bilateral relations in all areas of mutual interests and both the countries can further increase cooperation in the areas of trade, defence and culture.
This was discussed at 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, at Aiwan-e-Sadr, Monday. In the background of development at Gwadar Port, President Alvi suggested to the guests the possibility of starting a ferry service between Gwadar and Muscat to bring the two countries further closer.
Earlier welcoming the 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.
The meeting 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 two sides also stressed the need to increase high-level contacts to further cement bilateral ties.
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.
