ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani left here for Muscat on Monday on two day official visit to the Sultanate of Oman.

He was accompanied by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Chief Minister Baluchistan Muhammad Aslam Khan Raisani and Minister of State for Ports and Shipping Nabil Ahmad Gabol.

Talking to newsmen before his departure, the Prime Minister said, "We want multi-dimensional cooperation with Oman and enhance interaction in all the fields."

The Prime Minister said Oman has already been providing assistance and cooperation to Pakistan and during current visit, talks will be held to enhance trade and economic activities.

He said Pakistan has very strong and friendly relations with Oman.

He said trade volume has been doubled in the last three years and number of Pakistanis working in Oman has also be increased manifold during the present government.

He said the Pakistanis working in different fields of Oman are the "asset" as they had strong contribution in the economic activities and added that they had a very strong and positive contribution in the development of Oman.

He said regional issues would also be discussed during the bilateral meetings including the Gwadar port project.

He said Oman has given special attention to the development projects in Baluchistan.

During his visit, Prime Minister will hold meetings with His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al-Said and His Highness Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al-Said, Prime Minister of the Sultanate of Oman.

Pakistan and Oman enjoy excellent relations. The two countries are bound by common values, faith and traditions.

The people of Pakistan take pride in the progress the brotherly Sultanate of Oman has achieved under the sagacious and visionary leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos.

Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with the Oman. The Prime Minister's visit will help further strengthen the bilateral relationship.

Oman is host to a strong Pakistani community of over 170,000. They are actively contributing towards the economic development of the country. They also serve as a strong bridge between the two countries.