Islamabad (TDI): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday reiterated Pakistan’s strong desire to transform its “excellent political relations” with the United Arab Emirates into a “mutually beneficial economic partnership,” according to an official statement from the PM’s Office.
The comments were made during a meeting with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. The two leaders discussed regional developments and international issues of mutual interest.
During Sheikh Abdullah’s visit, Pakistan and the UAE inked several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) aimed at further strengthening relations between the two countries and promoting cooperation among their business communities.
Pakistan and the UAE share longstanding bilateral ties, with millions of Pakistanis working in the Gulf country, considerably contributing to the economies of both nations.
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In recent years, the UAE has emerged as one of the major countries that economically supported Islamabad during times of economic challenges.
PM Shehbaz reaffirmed the deep-rooted partnership between Pakistan and the UAE built on shared history, mutual respect and strong cultural and economic ties, the statement said.
It said that the PM conveyed his warm greetings to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the president of the UAE, and the ruler of Abu Dhabi, and lauded the UAE’s continued support for Pakistan in different sectors.
The premier stressed strengthening bilateral collaboration in energy, trade, investment and people-to-people contacts.
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For his part, Sheikh Abdullah Al Nahyan commended Pakistani community’s contributions to the UAE economy and reaffirmed his country’s resolve to strengthen bilateral relations and explore new avenues for cooperation.
