Qureshi meets Oman’s new ruler, condoles Sultan Qaboos’ death

MUSCAT: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Tuesday met the new ruler of Oman Haitham Bin Tariq Al Said and condoled with him the death of his predecessor Sultan Qaboos Bin Said.

Qureshi expressed grief and sympathy on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan on passing away of Sultan Qaboos and paid him tribute as a "prudent and peace-loving ruler.”

"The death of Sultan Qaboos is a loss for Oman as a great ruler and for Pakistan as a sincere and trust-worthy friend," he said.

The foreign minister said Oman witnessed exemplary success and progress under the rule of Sultan Qaboos. He offered fateha for the departed soul of Sultan Qaboos to rest in eternal peace.

Sultan Haitham Bin Tariq Bin Said expressed desire to further strengthening relations with Pakistan in future.

Qureshi flew into the Oman's capital on Monday night direct from Saudi Arabia after Iran, where he met the leadership of both countries to discuss ways to diffuse tension in the region.

Meanwhile, Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Tuesday said Pakistani expatriates in Oman were significantly contributing to the country's social and economic development, besides acting as a strong bridge of bilateral relations.

Talking to media here at Muscat International Airport before departing for home, the foreign minister said hard work and diligence of around 0.27 million Pakistani community had proved instrumental in further strengthening ties between the two countries. He lauded the Pakistani community in Oman for playing an important role in construction and service sectors.

Qureshi mentioned historic relations between Pakistan and Oman and recalled that the father of Sultan Qaboos was a graduate of Military Command and Staff College, Quetta.

He also informed reporters about conveying Prime Minister Imran Khan's invitation to Oman's new Sultan Haitham Bin Tariq Al Said to visit Pakistan and expressed hope that high-level interaction would strengthen bilateral relations.