Muscat: Oman-Pakistan Friendship Association (OPFA) held its Official Announcement Ceremony at Muscat marking a significant milestone in strengthening the longstanding friendship, cooperation, and cultural ties between the Sultanate of Oman and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The ceremony brought together Senior Omani Government officials, Foreign Diplomats, Community leaders, Business professionals, and members of the Omani and Pakistani communities to celebrate the inauguration of the association dedicated to promoting friendship, cultural exchange, economic cooperation, and people-to-people engagement between the two nations.
According to Oman News Agency, the ceremony was held under the auspices of Naveed Safdar Bukhari, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the Sultanate of Oman. The ambassador pointed out that the Oman-Pakistan Friendship Association is the first of its kind between the two countries. It will work to assist both governments in enhancing and consolidating bilateral relations across various fields, including trade, economy, culture, and educational, scientific, and technological exchanges.
In a statement to Oman News Agency (ONA), the ambassador affirmed that the volume of bilateral trade between the two countries exceeded the USD 1.5 billion mark during the first few months of this year. He noted that, despite this achievement, there remains significant room to further enhance and develop these commercial ties. He indicated that there is ongoing collaboration with the Omani government to establish joint working groups in several vital sectors. These groups will operate jointly between both sides to strengthen and develop commercial and economic ties in key areas, most notably trade and investment, logistics services, agriculture, and food security.
Syed Fayyaz Ali Shah, Founder and Chairman of the Oman-Pakistan Friendship Association, explained that the establishment of the association marks a new chapter in the enduring friendship between the Sultanate of Oman and Pakistan. He expressed his gratitude to everyone who contributed to turning this vision into a tangible reality.
Moreover, Redha Juma Al Saleh, Board Member of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) and Board Member of the Oman-Pakistan Friendship Association, emphasized that the association will serve as an active platform to enhance economic, cultural, and social cooperation. It will significantly contribute to building bridges of communication among businessmen, academics, intellectuals, and youth in both countries. In his speech, Al Saleh added that the Oman-Pakistan Friendship Association plans to organize a variety of future activities aimed at fostering relations and mutual understanding between the peoples of Oman and Pakistan.