Muscat – Oman and Pakistan are exploring closer cooperation between Sohar Port and Gwadar Port as part of wider efforts to strengthen maritime connectivity, trade and logistics links between the two countries.

The proposed cooperation was discussed recently during a meeting between Sami Abdullah Salim Al Khanjari, Consul General of Oman in Pakistan, and Noor Ul Haq Baloch, Chairman of Gwadar Port Authority, with both sides looking at the possibility of developing the two ports as sister ports, according to Pakistani media reports.

Confirming the discussions between the two sides, H E Syed Naveed Safdar Bokhari, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Oman, said the talks reflected a positive effort by both countries to build stronger connectivity.

He said, “Connectivity is an important area where both sides are engaging with one another. We are looking at how to promote connectivity between the ports of Pakistan and Oman and strengthen logistics cooperation. These are areas where both sides are actively engaged, and the discussions are looking positive.”

The initiative could strengthen shipping links between Pakistan and Oman and open new opportunities for trade, investment and logistics cooperation, while creating stronger connections between the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Gulf markets and Central Asia.

The discussions, as per the media reports, also covered the possibility of establishing direct air connectivity between Gwadar and Oman through SalamAir, using the newly developed Gwadar International Airport. Such a link could facilitate business and passenger movement between the two countries.

Omani investment opportunities in the Gwadar Free Zone were also explored, particularly in logistics, warehousing and fisheries. Other areas under discussion included technical cooperation in port management, dredging, digital port operations, as well as training and capacity-building for port personnel.

The two sides are expected to work through their respective ministries towards finalising a memorandum of understanding in the coming weeks, according to the reports.