Oman's Foreign Minister Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah and Special Advisor to Sultan Qaboos of Oman for Foreign Liaison Dr Omar bin Abdul Munim al-Zawawi called on Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani here at his hotel separately and discussed ways to further enhance Pak-Oman ties in all spheres.

Prime Minister Gilani who is on a two-day visit to the Sultanate said the geographical proximity of the two nations could serve as an advantage to increase their bilateral trade manifold and fully benefit from their close people to people contacts that have evolved over decades.

He said the potential of greater cooperation needs to be exploited for the advantage of both the peoples and called for more interaction between business communities.

The Prime Minister was of the view that greater connectivity between regional countries and Oman could help create more opportunities for everyone.

He said initiation of the ferry service between Muscat and Gwadar would not only enhance people to people contacts, but would also be a boost to the tourism industry.

The Omani Adviser said his country has explored the feasibility of operating such a service and said it would benefit both the countries and generate economic activity.

Gilani said development of Oman was a matter of pride for Pakistan and termed his meeting with Sultan Qaboos very promising.

Gilani said people of the two countries were tied in bonds of brotherhood and the relations between the two countries would continue to grow from strength to strength.

He said both the countries would further improve partnership in different fields.

He said his country believed in strengthening close bonds of brotherhood and friendship with Pakistan and to contribute to international peace and security.

Prime Minister Gilani also lauded the services of Special Advisor to Sultan Qaboos of Oman for Foreign Liaison Dr Omar bin Abdul Munim al-Zawawi, a recipient of Pakistan's highest civil award for promoting relations between the two countries.

Both the sides termed Pakistanis in Oman as serving a bridge and said both the countries would expand relations between them and said there was great scope of cooperation and opportunities.

They discussed ways to jointly move forward on important regional and international issues. Both the sides reflected similar views on matters of mutual interest and agreed on closer collaboration in future.