PM welcomes proposal of Karachi-Muscat ferry service

ISLAMABAD, Jan 12 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad 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 both countries,” the Prime Minister said in a meeting with Dr. Yahya Mahfoodh Salim Al-Manthri, President of State Council of Oman here at the PM House.
The prime minister said the ferry service would provide an affordable alternative source of movement for a large number of people who move on these routes on regular basis.
He said Pakistan and Oman are 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 Pakistan-GCC Free Trade Agreement.
On people-to-people contacts, the prime minister expressed
satisfaction that Oman was 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.
The prime minister said both 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 comprised Sheikh Hamed Mohammed Abdallah
Bahwan Al Mukhaini, member of the Education and Research Committee; Mohamed Ahmed Ali Al Rawas, member of the Culture Media and Tourism Committee; Dr. Ahmed Sulaiman Saleh Al-Maimani, member of the Economic Committee; Wafa Salim Ali Al Harrasi, Deputy Chairman of the Social Committee, and Dr. Aisha Ahmed Yousuf Al Washahi, Member of the Social Committee.
Mian Raza Rabbani, Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Senator Taj
Haider and other senior officials were also present.