Wednesday 08 / May / 2024
Muscat: Oman and Pakistan have agreed to intensify cooperation across the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, with the visit of Sartaj Aziz, advisor to Pakistan Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs setting the tone for an increased interaction.
This was stated by Ali Javed, ambassador of Pakistan to Oman, in an exclusive interview to the Times of Oman.
“The visit has refreshed contacts at the highest political leadership and afforded an opportunity to review the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, exchange of views on regional and international matters of mutual interest with both sides undertaking to intensify mutual cooperation,” Javed said.
Explaining the details of a possible oil pact between the two countries, the ambassador said the matter is being reviewed. “More than 20 countries have been approved for government-to-government negotiations for LNG and LNG terminals. Two Omani firms — OTI and Orpic — are among the shortlisted companies. A preliminary informal discussion with both had taken place in Islamabad in August. However, for long-term oil contract, experts are reviewing the matter further,” he added.
When asked what role Oman could play in the China, Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Javed said Oman had a lot to gain from such a high profile strategic development. “Located at 202 nautical miles from Gwadar Port, Oman is our closest maritime friend and it can, therefore, naturally and directly, benefit from the vast opportunities offered by CPEC, including exports of goods to China and Central Asia.”
Responding to a question about the gains of the visit, the ambassador said it had left the people feeling more confident of a process wholly owned by them.
“I am happy to observe that this high profile bilateral visit has created a visible contentment among the 250,000 Pakistanis residing in Oman, who had been invited on three different occasions to witness the proceedings, including a community gathering of 500 people, a foundation stone laying ceremony at the Pakistan Chancery Complex, as well as a business event that saw the presence of leading businessmen and professionals. The visit shall, therefore, serve as a firm basis for prospective engagements in a process wholly owned by the people. That in my view is the biggest gain,” the ambassador stated.
Responding to a question on Pakistan’s planned ferry service to Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Ali said the initiation of the ferry service from Karachi/Gwadar to Muscat was under keen consideration of the Pakistan Government.
“As these would be purely privately- owned commercial operations, the government is preparing the necessary framework and processes for streamlining the sector. We can hope that 2017 will witness the initiation of a ferry service to Muscat, which will add substance to people-to-people linkages.”
Talking about Oman’s hospitality, the ambassador said, “I and my family never felt the need to settle down. The moment we set foot in Oman we felt that we are actually in our home. Oman and its people instantly made us feel at home.”
Determined to play his role in taking the bilateral relations to a new high, the ambassador said his job was well cut out for him.
“I consider this opportunity as a means to strengthen our bilateral partnership. I have vigorously launched a process for consulting the large Pakistani diaspora in Oman over the past three months to understand the dynamics of our presence in this country. In consultation with the key stake holders here, my colleagues at the embassy here, and our friends in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I have been able to set short, medium and long- term goals,” he added.
Explaining further, Ambassador Javed said the agenda for the year 2017 would be made public very soon.
“This agenda, once approved by the two governments, shall set in motion a host of activities to cover bilateral political, defence, security, trade and investment ties, as well as exchanges in the arenas of culture, sports and media. I am sure that by the end of 2017, a new level of trust and friendship will emerge between the public and private sectors, which will provide an enabling atmosphere to take this relationship forward.,”
said the ambassador.
“Pakistan and Oman are already engaged at various levels through formal and informal exchanges. However, my plan includes formalising our exchanges so that both sides can work with greater zeal. I would like to promote a student exchange programme and establish cooperation between the Omani and Pakistani higher education institutes.”
New Embassy Building
When asked about the new Embassy Complex, he said, “We are going to shift into a new building in Azaibah on October 1 and it is being renovated to accommodate our requirements. The construction of the new Embassy Complex is going to start this year after Sartaz Aziz laid the foundation stone to mark the beginning of this milestone. I am quite confident that by the end of December 2016 we should have all the formalities completed, which are a prerequisite for initiation of the construction work.”.
Talking about the embassy’s steps to ease the process of passport and ID card renewal, the ambassador said, “After due consultation, we have decided to open the embassy on the second Friday of every month to facilitate a ‘weekend service’ for those, who come from far- off places in Oman. We have also engaged with Chairman of Pakistan’s NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority) to enhance services and he has agreed to extend his maximum cooperation.”.
