The 8th session of Pakistan-Oman Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC)

ISLAMABAD: Additional Foreign Secretary (Middle East), Ambassador Shehryar Akbar Khan from Ministry of Foreign Affairs Islamabad and the Chief of GCC and Regional Neighbourhood Department, Ambassador Sheikh Ahmad bin Hashil bin Rashid Al Maskari of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman, led their respective sides.Pakistan Calls for Global Response to Gaza and Kashmir Crises Amidst Strengthened Türkiye Relations

The two sides 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.

Noting the importance of Joint Ministerial Commission, the two sides decided on early holding of its 8th session in Islamabad. The two sides also agreed to further elevate bilateral trade volume and to enhance investment cooperation.

The Omani side expressed full support for the First Pakistani Business Expo to be held in Muscat on the 13th and 14th of October, 2024. Pakistan’s decision to allow visa on arrival for Oman nationals was welcomed by Oman as a means to increase travel of Omani citizens into Pakistan.

The Omani side was invited to invest in agriculture, minerals and Information Technology under SIFC. The two sides further agreed on the early conclusion of agreements and pending MoUs.

Regional and global matters of mutual concern were also discussed. Additional Foreign Secretary (Middle East) appreciated Sultanate of Oman for its persistent and principled support on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. The two sides also expressed serious concerns on Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza and genocide of the Palestinian people. They stressed the need for an urgent ceasefire and reiterated the call for the creation of a viable, sovereign and contiguous State of Palestine.

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

Pakistan-Oman BPC are an important mechanism to comprehensively review bilateral relations and to explore new areas of cooperation in order to further solidify the historic and strategic ties between the two countries.