Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi discussed regional tensions and ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation on Wednesday.
Albusaidi arrived in Pakistan on Tuesday on a two-day visit.
Speaking at the outset of the 8th session of the Pakistan-Oman Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC), 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 el-Mandeb 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-Mandeb 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.
Dar, Omani FM call for sustained bilateral engagement
Earlier in the day, Dar held a meeting with Albusaidi ahead of the JMC session, the Foreign Office (FO) said.
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 the FO.
“The two sides also exchanged views on regional developments and emphasised the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in advancing lasting peace and stability”, the 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, the Foreign Office (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
Last week, DPM Dar chaired an inter-ministerial meeting in Islamabad to review preparations for the upcoming JMC session, according to state-run Radio Pakistan.
The meeting reviewed the agenda, bilateral agreements, and arrangements for the co-chairing of the JMC session, it said.