Oman–Pakistan relations
Bilateral relations
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Oman–Pakistan relations are warm and cooperative.[1] Oman has an embassy in Islamabad and a Consulate-General in Karachi, whereas Pakistan has an embassy in Muscat.
Oman is the nearest Arab country to Pakistan, because of this, they both share a maritime boundary with each other. 30% of Omanis are of Balochi origin from Pakistan's Balochistan province, having settled in Oman over a hundred years ago.[citation needed] Gwadar was formerly part of Oman but was sold to Pakistan on 8 September 1958. It was integrated within Balochistan on 1 July 1977 and became a full sub-division of the Gwadar District.[citation needed] There are over 85,000 Pakistani immigrants resident in Oman.[citation needed]
Oman and Pakistan cooperate economically, with bilateral trade of $331 million as of 2008–2009.[2] The Pakistan-Oman Joint Investment Company promotes trade between Oman and Pakistan.[3]
The countries also cooperate militarily, with joint exercises and defence procurement.[2]
Arabian Sea diplomacy
Oman agreed to a transaction for Gwadar Port which is now being developed as a part of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Oman and Pakistan also co-operated regarding Pakistan's extended continental shelf zone, Pakistan's Foreign affairs adviser Sartaj Aziz thanked Oman for their co-operation regarding extension of Pakistan's territorial waters from 240,000 km2 to an additional 50,000 km2.[4]
