Friday 15 / November / 2024
Pakistan diplomat Sartaj Aziz to visit Oman next month
Shahzad Raza
MUSCAT: Pakistan's top diplomat will visit Oman early next month as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.
Sartaj Aziz, advisor on Foreign Affairs to Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, serves as Pakistan's de facto Foreign Minister. Accompanied by an official delegation, he is scheduled to meet senior Omani officials, as well as leading Omani and Pakistani business figures during his three-day visit from September 3 to 5.
The two sides are expected to review matters of mutual interest, including regional security, trade, technical training, manpower, as well as explore more avenues of cooperation.
Pakistan and Oman enjoy robust relations with close cooperation in a number of areas of mutual interest, including food, energy and textile sectors. The two countries have long felt the need to convert these close bilateral ties into strong economic and trade cooperation.
During the foreign secretary level talks held in April 2015, Pakistan and Oman had agreed to further strengthen cooperation, particularly in the fields of economy, trade, manpower, defence and security. The meeting had emphasised the need for greater interaction between the private sectors of the two countries.
Oman's Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Mohammed bin Awad Al Hassan met Aziz at his office in June this year to deliver to him a written message from Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs, about ways to develop the bilateral relations.
Oman is host to a large Pakistani community, which has played a significant role in the Sultanate's growth and development as a modern state.
