Pakistan, Oman Condemn Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia, Discuss Hormuz Security
Dar said both countries had exchanged views on the deteriorating regional security situation, particularly the attacks targeting Saudi Arabia.
Pakistan and Oman have strongly condemned recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia that killed one Pakistani national and injured five others, reaffirming their commitment to regional stability, diplomatic engagement and the restoration of unhindered maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
The condemnation came during a joint press conference in Islamabad on Wednesday, addressed by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Albusaidi, following the eighth session of the Pakistan-Oman Joint Ministerial Commission.
The discussions took place against the backdrop of escalating Middle East tensions, the ongoing US-Iran conflict, repeated Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Dar said both countries had exchanged views on the deteriorating regional security situation, particularly the attacks targeting Saudi Arabia.
“I conveyed Pakistan’s strongest condemnation of the attack, which resulted in injuries to several individuals, martyrdom of one Pakistani and injuries to five Pakistani nationals,” Dar said.
He stressed that attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure were entirely unacceptable and posed a serious threat to regional peace and security.
Reaffirming Islamabad’s support for Riyadh, Dar said Pakistan remained fully committed to Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security under the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement.
“I reaffirmed Pakistan’s full solidarity with the leadership and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as our unwavering commitment to the Kingdom’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security, in accordance with the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement,” he stated.
The Omani foreign minister also shared Pakistan’s concerns regarding threats to regional stability.
Oman Pushes for Restoration of Navigation Through Strait of Hormuz
Maritime security featured prominently in the discussions, with both countries emphasizing the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab Al-Mandab.
The two strategic waterways are critical to international trade, global energy supplies and food security.
Shipping restrictions imposed by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted international energy markets, increasing pressure on oil- and gas-importing economies, including Pakistan.
Before the conflict, approximately one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade passed through the strait, making it one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints.
Oman’s foreign minister reaffirmed Muscat’s commitment to restoring normal shipping operations.
“We are committed as far as the Sultanate of Oman is concerned to free navigation, unhindered navigation, and the return of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz because of its vitality to the global economy and to the region,” Albusaidi said.
He disclosed that discussions with Iran regarding temporary navigation arrangements were nearing completion.
However, he indicated that a permanent solution would depend on progress in broader negotiations between Tehran and Washington.
Oman, which shares the strategically important waterway with Iran, has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to facilitate maritime access and reduce regional tensions.
Oman Appreciates Pakistan’s Role in US-Iran Diplomacy
Both foreign ministers underscored the importance of diplomacy and dialogue in preventing further escalation across the Middle East.
Albusaidi acknowledged Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement, particularly its efforts to facilitate communication between Iran and the United States.
“Oman truly appreciates Pakistan’s constructive role in facilitating dialogue and supporting diplomatic efforts in the region, including its role in the negotiations between Iran and the United States,” he said.
He emphasized that Islamabad and Muscat considered peaceful negotiations essential for resolving regional disputes.
Dar also highlighted the convergence of views between Pakistan and Oman on regional security challenges.
“So, we are both on the same page. We have agreed to continue to work hard for the stability of this region,” he said.
The two countries agreed to maintain close coordination in support of regional peace, maritime security and diplomatic initiatives aimed at reducing tensions.
Pakistan, Oman Agree to Expand Economic Cooperation
Beyond security and regional diplomacy, the eighth session of the Joint Ministerial Commission focused on strengthening bilateral economic relations.
Both sides explored opportunities for expanding cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, energy, labour mobility and vocational training.
Particular attention was given to creating additional employment opportunities for skilled Pakistani workers in Oman.
Dar described Oman as a strategically important economic partner and a natural gateway for Pakistan to the Gulf Cooperation Council.
He also highlighted Pakistan’s geographical potential to connect Oman with emerging markets in China and Central Asia.
The two countries agreed to strengthen institutional engagement through joint working groups and closer cooperation between their respective business communities.
A proposed investment forum in Pakistan was also discussed as part of efforts to encourage bilateral investment and expand commercial partnerships.
The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of Islamabad and Muscat to strengthening economic ties while coordinating diplomatic efforts to address the evolving security challenges confronting the Middle East.
