Talks between Oman and Pakistan on Wednesday saw Pakistan's role as a mediator in the ongoing Middle East crisis at the top of the agenda, with Muscat praising Islamabad's diplomatic efforts. The visiting Foreign Minister of Oman, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi, met with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar at the Foreign Office, where he acknowledged Pakistan's constructive role in promoting regional dialogue.
During a joint media briefing, Al Busaidi stated, "I salute you for all the efforts that you have led in recent months, and we appreciate Pakistan's role that has helped create space for dialogue between Iran and the United States in particular." This diplomatic engagement highlights the growing importance of Islamabad as a neutral broker in complex geopolitical disputes.
Meanwhile, Dar condemned recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, terming them a violation of international law and a "serious threat to regional peace." He confirmed that the attacks resulted in the martyrdom of one Pakistani and injuries to five others. Dar reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering commitment to the sovereignty and security of Saudi Arabia in accordance with the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.
The ministers also attended the eighth session of the Pakistan-Oman Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC), which convened after a seven-year hiatus to discuss expanding cooperation in trade, energy, and food security. Both sides emphasized the need to enhance bilateral trade volumes, which have remained below potential for several years.
The JMC session focused on removing bottlenecks in the movement of goods and exploring new avenues for investment in the energy sector. Officials from both countries expressed optimism that the renewed momentum in diplomatic ties would lead to tangible economic benefits for the people of both nations.
Furthermore, the two sides discussed the welfare of the Pakistani diaspora in Oman, with Dar expressing gratitude for the hospitality extended to Pakistani workers. The Omani side assured that they value the contribution of Pakistani professionals to their national development goals.
The meeting concluded with a joint commitment to hold regular consultations to monitor the progress of the agreements reached during the JMC. Both ministers agreed that the strategic partnership between Pakistan and Oman is vital for the stability of the Arabian Sea region.
As the regional landscape continues to evolve, the diplomatic synergy between Islamabad and Muscat is expected to play a pivotal role in de-escalating tensions. The visit of the Omani Foreign Minister is seen as a significant step in strengthening the historical bonds between the two brotherly nations.
The Foreign Office spokesperson noted that the visit also provided an opportunity to exchange views on global issues, including the situation in Gaza and the broader implications for the Islamic world. Both leaders called for a peaceful resolution to conflicts through dialogue and international cooperation.
In his closing remarks, Mohammad Ishaq Dar thanked the Omani delegation for their visit and reiterated Pakistan's desire to further deepen ties in all sectors, including defense, culture, and education, ensuring a prosperous future for the region.