Pakistan, UAE discuss prospects of advancing bilateral cooperation
May 02, 2022
- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif briefly visits Abu Dhabi.
- Meets UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
- Holds extensive consultations over range of bilateral, regional and international issues.
ABU DHABI: In a meeting with United Arab Emirates Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held extensive consultations over the prospects of propelling cooperation and a range of bilateral, regional and international issues.
The premier met the crown prince in Abu Dhabi during his brief stay in the state after concluding his three-day visit to Saudi Arabia, Radio Pakistan reported.
PM Shehbaz Sharif had a warm welcome at Abu Dhabi by the crown prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces ahead of their meeting at Royal Palace, Qasr-e Al-Shatie.
During the meeting, the crown prince congratulated PM Shehbaz Sharif on his election as the premier of Pakistan and wished him great success serving the post. He also extended best wishes for the continued progress and prosperity of the people of Pakistan.
The prime minister paid tributes to the founder and first president of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (may Allah bless his soul) for his foresight and visionary leadership and his contribution to laying the foundation of Pakistan-UAE friendship. He expressed Pakistan's determination to strengthen mutually beneficial ties under the vision of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Noting the first 50 years of fast-track and remarkable development of the UAE, PM Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the UAE leadership and people and wished them more success in the decades ahead.
He also felicitated the UAE leadership and Expo Team on successful holding of the Dubai World Expo 2020, widely acclaimed as a resounding success.
Moreover, the prime minister expressed gratitude to the UAE for its long-standing support to Pakistan both bilaterally and multilaterally.
He, in particular, mentioned the humanitarian projects launched under the UAE-Pakistan Assistance Program in Pakistan as well as crucial support extended by the UAE during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also thanked the UAE for hosting 1.7 million Pakistanis with honour and dignity who are not only a bridge between Pakistan and the UAE but also pride of Pakistan.
Highlighting the noble initiative of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to eradicate polio worldwide, the PM Shehbaz Sharif lauded UAE's pivotal role in supporting global efforts to end this menace.
Reviewing bilateral cooperation in various fields, the two leaders resolved to further strengthen trade and economic ties, with particular focus on accelerating cooperation and building partnerships in areas encompassing, investments, economic development, energy, infrastructure and agriculture.
'Pakistan, UAE stood by each other': Prince Mohammed Bin Zayed
The crown prince assured the PM Shehbaz Sharif about making effective moves towards strengthening closer bilateral fraternal ties for the benefit of future generations of the two countries. He acknowledged with gratitude the constructive role played by Pakistanis in the development of the UAE when others had limited presence and contribution.
Prince Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan said that Pakistan and the UAE stood with each other during good or bad times and would continue to extend support to each other in the future. He emphasised the importance of strengthening bridges between the two brotherly nations for the well-being of their people.
The two leaders also discussed issues of regional and international importance. They decided to remain in regular contact on all issues of mutual interest as well as coordinate positions at multilateral forums including the UN and the OIC.
Saudi Arabia agrees to discuss extending $3bn loan term
Meanwhile, before going to the UAE, PM Shehbaz Sharif had his maiden official visit to Saudi Arabia at the invitation of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman.
In a meeting with Prince Salman, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia reaffirmed their resolve to consolidate security and stability, renounce violence, extremism and terrorism, support the unity and independence of the countries of the region and their territorial integrity, as well as to give priority to political solutions that bring prosperity and progress to the region and its people.
Saudi Arabia affirmed its continuous support to Pakistan and its economy, including the discussion of augmenting the three billion dollars deposit with the central bank through term extension or otherwise, and exploring options to further enhance the financing of petroleum products and supporting the economic structural reforms for the benefit of Pakistan and its people.
“Pakistan greatly appreciates the continued strong support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan,” the statement said.
The prime minister, along with a delegation, visited Riyadh at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman.
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Communications Minister Maulana Asad Mahmood, Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Narcotics Control Minister Shahzain Bugti, MNAs Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and Mohsin Dawar, among others, comprised the delegation accompanying the PM.
