Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday and appreciated Pakistan’s “sustained diplomatic efforts” for de-escalation and peaceful solutions to regional challenges, a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said.
Both Pakistan and Oman have been engaged in efforts for de-escalation after US-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February resulted in a conflict that has now expanded further into the Middle East.
Albusaidi’s meeting with PM Shehbaz was held on the second day of his two-day trip to Pakistan, during which he also attended the eighth session of the Pakistan-Oman Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) and held a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
In his meeting with the Omani foreign minister, PM Shehbaz “highlighted that the strong bond of shared faith, geography, history, culture, and centuries of people-to-people exchanges between Pakistan and Oman provided a strong fraternal foundation to the bilateral relationship”, the PMO statement said.
The premier underscored that Pakistan considered Oman a brotherly country, an important maritime neighbour and a valuable partner in a critically important region, it added.
“The prime minister expressed satisfaction over the successful convening of the 8th Session of the Pakistan-Oman Joint Ministerial Commission.
“He hoped that the meeting would provide a strong foundation for further expanding mutually beneficial cooperation and deepening engagement between the two brotherly countries,” the statement said.
It further stated that PM Shehbaz “noted with deep satisfaction the unanimity of views between Pakistan and Oman on all regional and global issues”.
He appreciated Oman’s “principled stance” of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving disputes, the statement said.
For his part, Albusaidi thanked the government of Pakistan for the hospitality extended to him and his delegation and “expressed satisfaction on successful holding of the 8th JMC session”, the PMO statement said.
It added that the Omani foreign minister “agreed that it (JMC session) would pave the way for enhanced bilateral collaboration in diverse sectors for mutual benefit”.
“The Omani foreign minister also appreciated Pakistan’s sustained diplomatic efforts towards de-escalating tensions and advancing peaceful solutions to regional challenges,” the statement read.
It added that PM Shehbaz also witnessed the signing of the Protocol of the 8th session of the Pakistan-Oman JMC, as well as agreements and memoranda of understanding for bilateral cooperation between the two sides in the areas of media cooperation, news and information exchange, historical documentation and archives management, communication and information technology and facilitation of diplomatic and official exchanges.
‘Totally unacceptable’
Earlier in the day, Albusaidi held a joint press conference with Deputy PM Dar, during which the latter said that Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia were “totally unacceptable”.
At the outset of the press conference, Dar said that the two sides would sign a protocol relating to the commission.
He said that this reflected “a shared resolve to further strengthen and expand bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest”. He said that the two sides would also sign an agreement for mutual visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and official passports.
“Pakistan-Oman friendship remains strong and forward-looking,” he told the media.
He added that the two ministers had also agreed to hold a business-to-business investment forum in Pakistan.
The ministers discussed the situation in the Gulf as well, he said, adding that “Pakistan remained committed to contributing constructively to diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region”.
Dar said that the two sides also exchanged views on recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. He said that he conveyed Pakistan’s condemnation of the attacks.
“I underscored that attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure are totally unacceptable. My brother [Albusaidi] actually fully endorses this. Violations of international law pose a serious threat to regional peace and security,” he said.
“I reaffirmed Pakistan’s full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and our unwavering commitment to the kingdom’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security in accordance with the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement,” he said.
They also “emphasised the urgent need for unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza”, Dar said.
DPM Dar also stressed that India’s unilateral abeyance of the Indus Water Treaty was “a material breach of international law”.
“This action threatens the water, food and energy security of Pakistan’s 250 million people,” Dar said.
Speaking at the occasion, Albusaidi said the JMC had “provided an important opportunity to review the state of bilateral relations”. He said that two sides “reaffirmed the strength of the longstanding ties” between the two countries.
“Both Oman and Pakistan attach great importance to dialogue and diplomacy as essential means of addressing regional challenges, easing tensions and promoting peace and stability,” Albusaidi said.
He also appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic role in the US-Iran war. He reaffirmed the two countries’ “shared commitment to further deepening our bilateral partnership and broadening cooperation across centres of mutual benefit”.
The two countries agreed that dialogue and diplomacy were “the only way forward” to resolve regional conflicts, Dar said in response to a reporter’s question.
“We are both on the same page,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dar told reporters that a free trade agreement between Pakistan and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) would help expand business activities, adding that he was told that barring one, all countries had consented to the agreement.
Responding to a question about the gaps in bilateral talks between the two countries, Dar said Albusaidi’s visit was previously delayed because Pakistan had been involved in mediation efforts between the US and Iran.
Albusaidi added that discussions had continued “behind the scenes”.
Responding to a question about the Strait of Hormuz, Albusaidi said that Oman was committed to “unhindered navigation” through the strait “because of its vitality to the global economy and the region”.
JMC session
The meeting of the commission was co-chaired by Dar and Albusaidi.
The two sides “reaffirmed their close fraternal ties and commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade and investment, maritime and logistics connectivity, agriculture, industry, energy, workforce mobility, human resource development, education, IT, media and climate change, among other areas”, the Foreign Office (FO) said.
Both ministers emphasised the importance of strengthening people-to-people ties, facilitating workforce mobility, and promoting exchanges of business delegations from both countries to unlock new opportunities for trade, investment and institutional collaboration.
FM Dar stressed the need for “timely implementation of agreed outcomes through close institutional coordination and sustained engagement between joint working group meetings”, the statement added.
According to FO, the Oman FM thanked Pakistan for its warm hospitality, appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for regional peace and security, and reaffirmed Muscat’s commitment to further strengthening the longstanding partnership between the two countries.
Dar commends Albusaidi’s efforts towards regional peace
Speaking at the outset of the JMC session, Dar said the two had “worked out” certain areas of bilateral interest and discussed global issues in detail, including the US-Iran war, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, Bab al-Mandab and Gaza in their restricted meeting.
Dar said the two sides had also discussed Jammu and Kashmir and other pressing regional issues. He commended Albusaidi’s leadership and efforts towards regional peace in the Middle East.
“I personally greatly admire your efforts. I know how much hard work you have put in,” he said, noting that Pakistan’s position on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) was “very unique”.
“We are members of both the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and, obviously, the United Nations and other multilateral bodies,” Dar said.
He stressed, “There should not be any long gaps between bilateral engagements,” noting potential in the areas of trade, economic activities and investment opportunities.
Dar said he had promised to visit Oman in 2027 to hold the next session of the commission there. He added that both sides had identified areas of mutual interest and discussed possible meetings.
He said Pakistan and Oman cooperated closely and cordially, adding that although their diplomatic relations had completed 55 years, their ties went back “centuries”.
Dar said the two countries shared a history of “love and affection”, particularly in relation to Balochistan and Gwadar. Referring to discussions on Bab al-Mandab and recent developments involving the Houthis and Saudi Arabia, Dar said both sides shared similar views on resolving regional issues.
He said the impact of regional tensions was also visible in Pakistan, where energy supply chains had been affected, and fuel prices had skyrocketed, adding that the “common man could not afford the resulting burden.”
Speaking on the occasion, Albusaidi said Oman was committed to further strengthening bilateral engagement and cooperation in various fields that could bring greater benefits to the people of both countries.
“I am delighted to be here with my delegation in Islamabad this morning, in this very warm, friendly and brotherly country, Pakistan, with which, as you have rightly said, we share bonds of history, culture, tradition and unity,” he said.
He said the Pakistan-Oman JMC was one of the mechanisms for exploring further avenues of collaboration, adding that the two countries also had a business council and a political consultation mechanism between their foreign ministers.
“We can do much more, and as we made a joint commitment this morning to make this meeting a success, I believe the more we do, the more we can deliver on the promise and the aspiration of our leaderships and our people,” Albusaidi said.
He also commended Pakistan’s role in supporting dialogue and diplomacy in the region.
“Your efforts to encourage engagement, understanding, respect and recognition are commendable, and I salute you for all your efforts,” he said, adding that Oman greatly appreciated Pakistan’s role in providing space for dialogue between Iran and the US.
Albusaidi said there was significant potential for economic cooperation between Oman and Pakistan, particularly in trade, logistics, port connectivity, energy and food security.
“The potential exists, and our task is to remove any obstacles and create the conditions that allow businesses to thrive so that we can fully benefit from this potential,” he said.
He also called for greater cooperation in tourism, academic and technological fields, as well as more regular exchanges between the people of the two countries.
“Once again, I appreciate the efforts of our private sector and industrial partners,” Albusaidi said, adding that he looked forward to further discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation.
After the session concluded, Albusaidi posted on that he had a “constructive day” in Islamabad co-chairing JMC session with Dar.
“We reviewed practical ways to deepen our longstanding partnership in trade, investment, energy, logistics and other priority areas, and agreed on closer follow-up to turn opportunities into results,” he said, expressing gratitude for the “warm hospitality and the shared commitment to cooperation and regional dialogue”.
Dar, Omani FM call for sustained bilateral engagement
Earlier in the day, Dar also held a bilateral meeting with Albusaidi ahead of the JMC session, FO said. The visiting dignitary had arrived in Pakistan on Tuesday on a two-day visit.
The two ministers reaffirmed the close, fraternal ties between Pakistan and Oman and underscored the importance of sustained high-level engagement to deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest, particularly trade, investment and people-to-people contacts, according to FO.
“The two sides also exchanged views on regional developments and emphasised the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in advancing lasting peace and stability,” FO said.
Albusaidi commended Pakistan’s efforts to promote regional peace and security, while Dar acknowledged and appreciated Oman’s constructive role and shared aspirations for regional peace and stability, the statement added.
A day earlier, FO said the JMC session would review the entire spectrum of Pakistan-Oman bilateral relations and strengthen cooperation.
The visit “reflects the longstanding fraternal relations between Pakistan and Oman and is expected to further deepen mutually beneficial cooperation”.