Yesterday, Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi met Omani Foreign Minister Mr. Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, Minister of National Economy and Finance Mr. Ahmed bin Abdulnabi Macki and Minister for Legal Affairs Mr. Mohammed bin Ali bin Naseer Al Alawi.

Foreign Minister Qureshi delivered to his Omani counterprt a letter from the President addressed to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. The President had conveyed thanks to the Omani leadership for the generous support extended to the flood affectees in Pakistan.

The two Foreign Ministers discussed bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest. They expressed satisfaction over the existing excellent relations between the two countries. During the meeting Foreign Minister Qureshi apprised the Omani Minister of the scale of devastating floods which was unprecedented in the history of Pakistan.

Foreign Minister Qureshi conveyed to the Omani Ministers that the main purpose of his visit was to express thanks to the leadership and the people of Oman for the prompt and generous assistance provided to the flood affectees in Pakistan. Oman has dnated US$ 5.2 Million for the flood affectees and the relief assistance from Oman still continues.

The Foreign Minister of Oman warmly received Foreign Minister Qureshi and expressed his Government’s deep sorrow over the devastating floods in Pakistan. He said that Oman was ready to help his Pakistani brothers in what ever way it could. The other Ministers also expressed similar feelings.

Welcoming the Foreign Minister from Pakistan, the Minister for National Economy said that Pakistan was close to their hearts and they would always be there to help Pakistan. He appreciated the role of expatriate Pakistanis in the development of Oman. He said Pakistani doctors, engineers and other professionals were working in the Omani institutions and have done a lot for the prosperity of his country.

In his meeting the Minister of Legal Affairs who is also on the board of Oman Charitable Organization assured Foreign Minister Qureshi full support to Pakistan in the rehabilitation and reconstruction process in Pakistan.

The Chairman Oman Charitable Organization also met the Foreign Minster. He had recently been to the flood affected areas in Pakistan and his Organization had been extending assistance to the people across the country. He discussed with the Minister the situation on the ground, adding that his organization will continue to help the people of Pakistan.

The Foreign Minister also visited a relief camp established jointly by the Embassy, Pakistan School and Pakistan Social Club Muscat. The Camp is meant to receive assistance in kind from the Omani and expatriate Pakistani community and arrange their dispatch to Pakistan. This camp has so far sent 2.8 tons of relief goods consisting food items, tents, medicines, clothes, blankets etc. At the moment there are 35 tons of relief goods to be dispatched to Pakistan shortly.

Foreign Minister Qureshi also addressed a community gathering. He apprised the community of the latest situation with regard to the devastating floods. He appreciated the contribution made by the Pakistanis in all part of the world for the support of their brethren in Pakistan. The Pakistani community in Muscat alone has donated Rs.10.25 million for the flood affectees.

The Foreign Minister of Pakistan is on a tour to the Gulf countries. He will travel to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait today and meet their leaderships.