MUSCAT (APP) - Pakistan and Oman on Monday vowed to move on towards a more robust relationship with closer collaboration in industrial, agricultural, health and education sectors for a brighter future of their people. Prime Minister Gilani who had an audience with Sultan Qaboos bin Sa'id here at his official retreat, discussed situation in the region, the challenges being faced by Pakistan at the hands of the extremists and the measures the government was taking to address its economic and security challenges. The two leaders had an extensive discussion on bilateral issues, situation in the region and ways to explore new avenues of cooperation, during their an hour and a half long meeting at the Bait al Baraka Palace , overlooking the Gulf of Oman. Sultan Qaboos received Prime Minister Gilani and his delegation at the entrance of the Palace. The Prime Ministers delegation includes: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Minister for Ports and Shipping Babar Ghauri, Minister of State for Ports and Shipping Nabil Gabol and Chief Minister Balochistan Nawab Aslam Raisani. Prime Minister Gilani noted that the bilateral trade between the two countries was around 286 million dollars in 2009 and there was a wide scope for expanding it multi-fold. The two leaders also discussed enhanced defence cooperation between their armed forces, holding of joint exercises, training and exchange of defence delegations. Sultan Qaboos appreciated Pakistans achievements against the extremists and terrorists and said the time had come for implementation of a world strategy on combating terrorism based on cooperation and exchange of information. He said it was important that the states of the region get united and make necessary arrangements for regional security and stability through dialogue, mutual trust and balance of power. Gilani said Pakistan and Oman were working for a strategic partnership to bring progress, prosperity and peace in the region. He said Pakistan and Oman were bound by a common history, and commonality of interests and formed the basis of a special relationship with Oman.