The 8th session of Pakistan-Oman Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) took place in Muscat on Tuesday, where both countries comprehensively reviewed all aspects of their bilateral cooperation. Key areas of focus included political relations, trade and investment, security and defense, culture, health, and consular matters.
The consultations were led by Additional Foreign Secretary (Middle East) Ambassador Shehryar Akbar Khan for Pakistan and Chief of GCC and Regional Neighborhood Department Ambassador Sheikh Ahmad bin Hashil bin Rashid Al Maskari for Oman. The discussions also extended to cooperation in multilateral forums.
Both sides emphasized the importance of the Joint Ministerial Commission and agreed to hold its 8th session in Islamabad at the earliest opportunity. They also discussed strategies to enhance bilateral trade and investment, with Pakistan inviting Oman to invest in agriculture, minerals, and Information Technology under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).
Oman expressed support for the upcoming First Pakistani Business Expo in Muscat, scheduled for October 13-14, 2024, and welcomed Pakistan’s decision to grant visas on arrival to Omani nationals.
The meeting also covered regional and global issues of mutual concern, with both countries expressing serious concerns over Israel’s war on Gaza and the genocide of the Palestinian people. They called for an urgent and unconditional ceasefire and reiterated support for the creation of a viable, sovereign, and contiguous State of Palestine.
Additionally, the Pakistani delegation met with Under Secretary for Diplomatic Affairs Sheikh Khalifa bin Ali bin Issa Al-Harthy, who reaffirmed Oman’s commitment to strengthening ties with Pakistan and advancing bilateral cooperation.
The Bilateral Political Consultations serve as a crucial dialogue mechanism for reviewing and exploring new avenues of cooperation to further solidify the historic and strategic relationship between Pakistan and Oman.
