By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan and Oman have signed five agreements covering visa exemptions, media, information technology, communications and archival cooperation as the two countries seek to strengthen trade, investment and broader bilateral ties.

The agreements were signed at the conclusion of the eighth session of the Pakistan-Oman Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC), held during Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi’s official visit to Pakistan on October 13-14, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said.

The document exchange ceremony took place at the prime minister’s office and was witnessed by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, according to the ministry.

The agreements cover mutual visa exemptions for holders of diplomatic, special, official and service passports; cooperation on records and archives; media cooperation; communications and information technology; and news exchange.

The two sides also agreed to hold the ninth session of the joint ministerial commission in Oman’s capital, Muscat, next year.

During the visit, Albusaidi held talks with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, met Sharif and co-chaired the commission’s session.

Discussions focused on expanding cooperation in trade and investment, maritime and logistics connectivity, agriculture, industry, energy, workforce mobility, education, information technology, media and climate change.

Both countries highlighted the importance of closer people-to-people contacts, facilitating employment opportunities and encouraging reciprocal visits by business delegations to promote investment and institutional cooperation.

Dar emphasized Pakistan’s desire to translate its longstanding relations with Oman into practical benefits for the people of both countries. He called for the swift implementation of agreed measures through regular coordination and follow-up by joint working groups.

Albusaidi reaffirmed Oman’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and praised Pakistan’s efforts to promote regional peace and security. He also acknowledged the contribution of the Pakistani community to Oman’s development and prosperity.

The two foreign ministers also discussed regional and international developments and cooperation in multilateral forums, including the United Nations. Albusaidi expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s mediation efforts amid evolving regional tensions, the Pakistani ministry said.

Dar outlined Pakistan’s positions on Palestine, Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir and what Islamabad describes as terrorist activities originating from Afghanistan.

He also raised the Indus Waters Treaty, arguing that India’s unilateral decision to suspend the treaty violated international law and its provisions. Pakistan maintains that the agreement remains valid, binding and fully operational.

The visit underscored both countries’ stated commitment to expanding cooperation across economic, diplomatic and other sectors, according to the Foreign Ministry.