Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday welcomed a 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 premier said in a meeting with Dr Yahya Mahfoodh Salim Al-Manthri, President of State Council of Oman at the PM House in Islamabad.

The prime minister said the ferry service would provide an affordable alternative source of movement for a large number of people who travel on these routes regularly.

He said Pakistan and Oman are natural allies due to geographical proximity and the leadership and people of Pakistan hold the people of Oman in high esteem.

Sharif 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 unskilled and highly professional manpower in various fields including medicine, engineering, information technology, accountancy, education and technical workers, he added.

He 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.

The 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.

Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani, Senator Taj Haider and other senior officials were also present.