ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Pakistan and Oman have signed five agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation in several key sectors.
According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi visited Pakistan on October 13 and 14 for official engagements aimed at enhancing ties between the two countries.
During the visit, Al Busaidi held talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and co-chaired the eighth session of the Pakistan-Oman Joint Ministerial Commission.
The meeting focused on increasing cooperation in trade, investment, energy, agriculture, industry, maritime connectivity, manpower, education and information technology.
At the conclusion of the session, both sides signed five agreements and MoUs covering visa exemptions for holders of diplomatic, special, official and service passports, cooperation in records and archives, and collaboration in media, information technology and news exchange.
The two countries also agreed to hold the ninth session of the Joint Ministerial Commission in Muscat next year.
During the discussions, the officials also exchanged views on regional and international developments. Ishaq Dar briefed his Omani counterpart on Pakistan’s position regarding Palestine, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), and terrorism originating from Afghanistan.
Dar also raised India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, describing the move as a violation of international law and the treaty itself. He maintained that the agreement remained effective, operational and binding on both countries.
According to the Foreign Office, the Omani foreign minister appreciated Pakistan’s hospitality and its efforts to promote regional peace. He also reaffirmed Oman’s commitment to strengthening the longstanding friendly relations between the two countries.
