Muscat, 28 August 2024 (TDI): The eighth session of the Pakistan-Oman Bilateral Political Consultations (BPS) was successfully conducted today in Muscat, showcasing another meaningful step in boosting diplomatic relations and cooperation between two sovereign states.
The Ambassador Shehryar Akbar Khan, Additional Foreign Secretary for the Middle East from the Pakistani side, and the Ambassador Sheikh Ahmad Bin Hashim bin Rashid Al Maskari, Chief of the GCC and Regional Neighborhood Department of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of the Sultanate of Oman were part of the talks.
Enhancing Bilateral Relations
The Pakistan-Oman Bilateral Political Consultation promotes a key institutional mechanism between two countries to revise and strengthen their bilateral relations, discuss regional and international issues of common interest, and examine new ways of cooperation.
The eighth session highlighted the enduring friendship between Pakistan and Oman and, essentiality shared history, values, and culture.
In the meeting, both sides proclaimed their commitment to enhance the multidimensional partnership between the two states. The meeting was portrayed with mutual respect and shared history to foster cooperation in various fields such as economics, security, culture, and people-to-people exchange.
Review of Cooperation
The meeting started with a detailed review of the political and security cooperation. Ambassador Shehryar Akbar Khan pointed out Pakistan’s efforts to support Oman in the International forum and Oman consistently stands for Pakistan on the Kashmir issue.
Both sides negotiated to enhance security cooperation, specifically in intelligence sharing, defense collaboration, and counterterrorism.
Ambassador Shaikh Ahmad Al Maskari expressed to maintain peace and stability in the region and desired to work with Pakistan on the mentioned issues. They agreed to fulfill the need for continued cooperation on regional security matters, particularly in the Gulf region and South Asia.
Economic and Trade Ties
However, a large portion was dedicated to discussing economic and trade relations. The importance of diversifying and expanding economic relations was the main agenda of the discussion. Pakistan and Oman need further growth in trade, energy, agriculture, infrastructure, and fisheries.
Ambassador Shehryar noted the opportunities offered by Pakistan’s emerging economy and strategic location as a gateway to Central Asia, expanding cooperation in renewable energy, especially solar and wind power, and invited Omani companies to invest in Pakistan.
He expressed to enhance the maritime sector knowing the potential importance of Gawadar and Duqm ports that serve as hubs for regional trade. “It is in Oman’s interest to strengthen economic ties with Pakistan.” He added.
Global Issues: A Shared View
The meeting also discussed the regional and global issues of mutual concern. The two countries shared a view on the geopolitical landscape in South Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.
Ambassador Shehryar Akbar Khan shared Pakistan’s stance on Afghanistan’s situation and the Kashmir dispute, and the broader challenges faced by the Muslim world. Pakistan always makes efforts to bring peace and stability around the world and promotes peaceful negotiation through diplomacy and dialogue.
On the other hand, Ambassador Sheikh Ahmed Al Maskari gave an overview of Oman’s foreign policy priorities, recognizing Oman’s neutral role in regional conflicts and its efforts to foster peaceful coexistence.
Commitment to Dialogue and Cooperation
Lastly, Pakistan and Oman showed satisfaction with the results produced by the meeting and expressed commitment to maintain regular dialogues through the Bilateral Political Consultations framework. Their commitment is to continue the bilateral relations in the coming years.
Ambassador Shehryar Akbar Khan invited Oman to participate in the next session of the Bilateral Political Consultations Framework, which will be held in Islamabad. Continuation of consultations will deepen mutual understanding and shared values of both states.
The eighth session of the Pakistan-Oman Bilateral Political Consultations was held today in Muscat, Oman. The Additional Foreign Secretary (Middle East), Ambassador Shehryar Akbar Khan and the Chief of GCC and Regional Neighborhood Department, Ambassador Sheikh Ahmad bin Hashil… pic.twitter.com/f0S7BeEpCX
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) August 27, 2024
 was successfully conducted today in Muscat,){kind=link}