Pakistan, Oman to boost trade, economic ties

Pakistan and Oman on Monday vowed to move on towards a more robust relationship with closer collaboration in industrial, agricultural, health and education sectors for a brighter future of their peoples.
Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani who had an audience with Sultan Qaboos bin Said here at his official retreat, discussed situation in the region, the challenges being faced by Pakistan at the hands of the extremists and the measures the government was taking to address its economic and security challenges.
The two leaders had an extensive discussion on bilateral issues, situation in the region and ways to explore new avenues of co-operation, during their an hour and a half long meeting at the Bait al Baraka Palace, overlooking the Gulf of Oman. Sultan Qaboos received Prime Minister Gilani and his delegation at the entrance of the Palace. The Prime Minister's delegation includes: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Minister for Ports and Shipping Babar Ghauri, Minister of State for Ports and Shipping Nabil Gabool and Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Aslam Raisani.
The 70-year-old Sultan Qaboos bin Said is a graduate of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and known as a founder of the modern Oman, that has undergone a massive political and economic transformation under his rule since 1970. Prime Minister Gilani noted that the bilateral trade between the two countries was around 286 million dollars in 2009 and there was a wide scope for expanding it multi-fold.
The two leaders also discussed enhanced defence co-operation between their armed forces, holding of joint exercises, training and exchange of defence delegations. Sultan Qaboos appreciated Pakistan's achievements against the extremists and terrorists and said the time had come for implementation of a world strategy on combating terrorism based on co-operation and exchange of information.
He said it was important that the states of the region get united and make necessary arrangements for regional security and stability through dialogue, mutual trust and balance of power. Prime Minister Gilani said Pakistan and Oman were working for a strategic partnership to bring progress, prosperity and peace in the region He said Pakistan and Oman were bound by a common history, shared values, faith, traditions and commonality of interests and formed the basis of a special relationship with Oman. He said Oman's success was Pakistan's success as it takes pride in the achievements of the Sultanate of Oman.
Prime Minister Gilani lauded the tremendous progress achieved by Oman under the sagacious and visionary leadership of Sultan Qaboos. He also greeted him on behalf of President Asif Ali Zardari, the government and the people of Pakistan on the 40th national day of Oman. He said it was also a matter of great pride that since its creation, the hardworking and committed Pakistanis, had contributed towards Oman's development. Sultan Qaboos appreciated the role of Pakistani expatriates in Oman's progress and prosperity.