ISLAMABAD: Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi has praised Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting regional peace and security, particularly its efforts to facilitate dialogue between Iran and the United States amid rising tensions.
He made the remarks during the 8th session of the Pakistan-Oman Joint Ministerial Commission in Islamabad on Wednesday. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar co-chaired the meeting with his Omani counterpart.
The two sides discussed regional developments and explored ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, connectivity and economic development.
In their opening remarks, both ministers stressed the importance of closer coordination to promote regional stability and expand economic opportunities. They reaffirmed their commitment to regular high-level engagement and joint efforts to address regional challenges.
Pakistan and Oman Stress Dialogue and Diplomacy
During discussions on regional developments, the two ministers highlighted the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in achieving lasting peace and stability.
Dar said both sides had agreed to avoid long gaps between ministerial meetings. He stressed that regular interaction was essential to unlocking the potential for greater bilateral trade, economic activity and investment.
The discussions covered regional and international issues, including tensions involving the United States and Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, Bab al-Mandab, Palestine, Gaza and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Dar also praised Oman’s leadership and diplomatic efforts to promote peace and facilitate dialogue. He said Pakistan and Oman could play an important role in addressing regional challenges, noting that the two countries shared views on several key issues.
He warned that regional instability had disrupted energy supply chains and driven up prices, putting additional pressure on ordinary people. He called for restoring peace and stability to support regional prosperity.
Longstanding Pakistan-Oman Ties
Dar highlighted the longstanding relationship between Pakistan and Oman. He noted that although diplomatic relations between the two countries had spanned 55 years, their historical, cultural and people-to-people connections extended back centuries.
He particularly highlighted the strong links between Oman and Balochistan, including Gwadar.
Al Busaidi said the two countries had significant opportunities to deepen cooperation through existing institutional mechanisms, including the friendship association, business council and political consultations between their foreign ministers.
He welcomed the commitment to hold meetings more regularly, saying sustained engagement could help translate shared objectives into practical results.
Trade, Investment and Connectivity on the Agenda
The Omani foreign minister identified trade, logistics, port connectivity, energy, food security, technology and tourism as promising areas for closer cooperation.
He called for stronger private-sector engagement, institutional partnerships, academic and technological cooperation, and increased people-to-people exchanges.
Earlier, during a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two ministers reaffirmed their close and fraternal ties. They also stressed the importance of sustained high-level engagement to expand cooperation, particularly in trade, investment and people-to-people contacts.
Both sides said stronger diplomatic engagement, economic connectivity and bilateral partnerships could contribute to regional stability and deliver development benefits to the people of Pakistan and Oman.
Pakistan and Oman Agree on New Cooperation Measures
At a joint press conference following the commission’s session, Dar and Al Busaidi reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation across several sectors.
The two countries agreed to strengthen institutional collaboration through joint working groups covering trade and investment, agriculture, oil and gas, and labour and human resource development.
They also agreed to encourage investment in special economic zones and free zones. In addition, both sides plan to hold a business-to-business investment forum in Pakistan in the near future.
The ministers announced plans to sign agreements covering mutual visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and official passports, communication and technology, historical documentation, records and archives management, and media cooperation.
During the press conference, both ministers again emphasised restraint, de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy as essential tools for promoting regional peace and stability.
Al Busaidi reiterated his appreciation for Pakistan’s constructive role in facilitating regional dialogue, including diplomatic efforts involving Iran and the United States.
The two sides also agreed to hold the ninth session of the Pakistan-Oman Joint Ministerial Commission in Oman next year.
