ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday welcomed the proposal to start a ferry service between Karachi/Gwadar and Oman’s capital Muscat. “This initiative will start a new chapter of friendship between the two countries,” he said in a meeting with Dr Yahya Mahfoodh Salim Al-Manthri, president of the State Council of Oman, at the PM’s House. The premier said the ferry service would provide an affordable alternative source of movement for a large number of people who move on these routes on a regular basis. He said that Pakistan and Oman were natural allies due to geographical proximity and the “leadership, government and the people of Pakistan hold Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al-Said and the brotherly people of Oman in high esteem”. The prime minister said Pakistan was grateful to Oman for its support in connection with the Pakistan-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) free trade agreement. On people-to-people contact, the premier expressed satisfaction over Oman hosting a sizeable Pakistani diaspora working in various sectors. “Pakistan can further provide both un-skilled and highly professional manpower in various fields, including medicine, engineering, information technology, accountancy, education and technical workers,” he added. He said that both the countries could benefit immensely through mutual exchange of experts in the field of education and science and technology. He invited investment by Oman in energy-related projects, infrastructure development and consumer-based industry. Omani delegation consisted of Education and Research Committee member Sheikh Hamed Mohammed Abdallah Bahwan Al Mukhaini, Culture Media and Tourism Committee member Mohamed Ahmed Ali Al Rawas, Economic Committee member Dr Ahmed Sulaiman Saleh Al-Maimani, Social Committee Deputy Chairman Wafa Salim Ali Al Harrasi, and Social Committee member Dr Aisha Ahmed Yousuf Al Washahi. Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani, Senator Taj Haider and other senior officials were also present on the occasion.
