Pakistan and Oman vow stronger ties, back regional peace

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has described talks with his Omani counterpart, Sayyid Badr Albusaidi, as constructive, with both countries agreeing to expand cooperation in trade, investment and other areas of mutual interest.

Speaking at a joint press conference in Islamabad on Wednesday after the eighth session of the Pakistan-Oman Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC), Dar said the two sides had reached an understanding on several areas of cooperation. He announced that the ministers would sign a protocol and several bilateral agreements to strengthen relations between the two countries.

Dar said Pakistan and Oman also planned to organise a business-to-business investment forum in Pakistan to encourage private-sector engagement and create new opportunities for investors. An agreement providing mutual visa exemptions for holders of diplomatic and official passports was also among the planned arrangements.

The foreign minister described relations between Pakistan and Oman as strong and forward-looking. He said the two countries had longstanding historical and cultural links and considerable potential to expand economic cooperation.

Dar stressed the need for regular high-level engagement, saying there should not be long gaps between bilateral meetings. He added that the next session of the joint commission was expected to take place in Oman in 2027.

Regional security and diplomatic developments also featured prominently in the discussions. Dar said the two ministers exchanged views on the US-Iran conflict, tensions in the Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, the Bab al-Mandab Strait, Gaza and Jammu and Kashmir.

Both sides emphasised that dialogue and diplomacy remained the most effective ways to address regional disputes and promote lasting peace. Dar said Pakistan and Oman shared similar views on resolving conflicts through peaceful engagement.

Albusaidi praised Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to encourage dialogue between the United States and Iran. He said Oman valued Islamabad’s role in facilitating engagement and promoting mutual understanding amid regional tensions.

The Omani foreign minister also stressed the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open to uninterrupted navigation, describing it as vital to the regional and global economy. Disruptions to maritime routes and energy supplies have raised concerns about their impact on international markets.

Dar said regional instability had already affected Pakistan through disruptions to energy supply chains and higher fuel prices, placing an additional burden on ordinary citizens. He called for greater cooperation to address shared economic and security challenges.

The two ministers also condemned recent Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia, describing attacks targeting civilians as unacceptable. They called for the unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza and stressed the need to address the worsening humanitarian situation.

Dar reiterated Pakistan’s position that India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty constituted a breach of international law. He warned that the move threatened water, food and energy security for Pakistan’s population.

On economic cooperation, Dar said a proposed free trade agreement between Pakistan and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) could help increase trade and investment. He added that, according to the information available to him, all but one GCC member had agreed to the proposed arrangement.

Albusaidi said the joint commission provided an important opportunity to review bilateral relations and identify new areas of collaboration. He highlighted the potential for stronger partnerships in trade, logistics, port connectivity, energy and food security.

He also called for increased cooperation in tourism, education, technology and people-to-people exchanges. He said both governments needed to remove barriers and create favourable conditions for businesses to benefit from the opportunities available.

The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining close contact and broadening cooperation across sectors. Their discussions reflected a shared interest in strengthening economic links while working together to support peace and stability across the region.

Oman’s foreign minister arrived in Pakistan on Tuesday for a two-day visit. The JMC meeting was held as part of ongoing efforts to deepen bilateral relations, building on more than five decades of formal diplomatic ties and longstanding historical connections between the two countries.