PRIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif and United Arab Emirates (UAE) President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in their meeting in Abu Dhabi, discussed a wide range of bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest and reaffirmed their commitment to further enhancing collaboration in key areas.
Both sides expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of bilateral ties and ongoing engagements at all levels.
The leaders agreed to maintain close coordination and continue working together to advance shared goals of regional peace and prosperity.
The sentiments expressed by the two sides reflect sentiments and aspirations of the people of the two countries to forge ties in all walks of life that are already founded in mutual trust, shared values and a history of close cooperation.
It is encouraging that the UAE leadership always extended meaningful diplomatic, economic and political support to Pakistan on various occasions.
The commitment of the UAE to the security and solidarity of Pakistan was highlighted by the positive role it played in defusing tension between Pakistan and India during the recent standoff.
This role was acknowledged by the Prime Minister who appreciated the UAE’s positive role in promoting peace, dialogue and stability in the region.
Earlier, the UAE Government reaffirmed its support to help Pakistan overcome its economic difficulties by depositing $2 billion with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), a move that strengthened Pakistan’s hands during crucial talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
It is also a reality that the brotherly country has invested significantly in communications, services, tourism, information technology, oil and gas, housing, banking and real estate sectors of Pakistan.
In addition, around 1.8 million Pakistanis are not only actively contributing to the process of progress and development in the UAE but they are also an important source of remittances for their homeland.
Hopefully, as a result of understanding reached during the visit of the Prime Minister to the UAE, the bilateral relations will acquire new dimensions, especially in the context of Pakistan opening up its agriculture and mineral sectors for foreign investment as per plans prepared by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).
There are also vast opportunities for initiating joint ventures in Information Technology (IT) and defence production, which must be exploited by the relevant institutions.
