Visa on arrival for Omanis visiting Pakistan

Muscat: Omanis travelling to Pakistan will now get visas on arrival, said Pakistan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

The minister, who is on a three-day visit to the Sultanate, said Pakistan has liberalised its visa rules, which means Omani citizens can get their visas stamped on their arrival in Pakistan.

Qureshi met Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs, Yusuef bin Alawi bin Abdullah, and on the second day received by General Sultan bin Mohammed al Namani, Minister of the Royal Office.

The Foreign Minister of Pakistan said the objective of the visit was to participate in the seventh Joint Ministerial Mission, which is taking place after a considerable gap.

When he met Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly, we decided to meet in Muscat to revive the process.

“Relations with Oman have been warm and cordial. Through this interaction, we want to strengthen it further. We want to turn the strategic partnership into an economic partnership.”

According to the minister, there are opportunities where Pakistan can contribute to Oman’s food security, while the Sultanate can invest in Pakistan’s food processing industries.

“There are opportunities for Oman to invest in the Special Economic Zones being developed in Pakistan-China Economic Corridor.”

He said there are possible opportunities to invest in the energy sector, construction, and tourism.

Pakistan is looking at better connectivity with Oman, and Duqm could play a key role along with the Gwadar port in Pakistan. “I think these two ports working in close harmony can enhance connectivity.”

Other fields of cooperation being explored are education and health.

The minister is leading a 12-member delegation of technical experts representing different sectors.

The Joint Ministerial Mission will be co-chaired by the two foreign ministers on Thursday followed by the signing of bilateral accords.

The minister also had a joint interaction with Chairman Pak-Oman Investment Company Yahya al Jabri and Executive President State General Reserve Fund Abdulsalam al Murshidi.

A total of 272,000 Pakistani expats live in Oman. A community event was held for them at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex.

Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador of Pakistan Ali Javed said Qureshi was a veteran politician with 35 years of experience in statesmanship.

The event showcased colorful performances by schoolchildren from Pakistan School Muscat and Beacon House.

More than 50 Omanis and Pakistanis as well as other nationalities were presented with ‘Certificates of Appreciation’ for their contribution to Pakistan-Oman friendship.