Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif shakes hands with UAE Ambassador to Pakistan Salem Mohammed Salem Al Bawab Al Zaabi in Islamabad. Photo: NNI
ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday emphasized Pakistan’s strong and long-standing commitment to further strengthen its relations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and called for increased UAE investments in key sectors to support Pakistan’s economic growth and stability.
The Prime Minister expressed these views during a meeting with United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador to Pakistan Salem Mohammed Salem Al Bawab Al Zaabi, who paid him a courtesy call at the Prime Minister House.
The prime minister was assisted by SAPM Tariq Fatemi and Foreign Minister Amna Baloch, the media wing of the prime minister’s office said in a statement.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister expressed Pakistan’s deep appreciation for the long-standing and brotherly relations between Pakistan and the UAE, highlighting the strong ties of friendship, mutual respect and close cooperation that have defined the bilateral relations between Pakistan and the UAE over the past decades.
Expressing satisfaction over the volume of bilateral trade between the two sides, he further highlighted the need for both sides to focus on enhancing economic ties, trade, investment opportunities and collaboration in areas such as energy, minerals, IT, railways and aviation.
He also acknowledged the UAE’s constant support to Pakistan in times of need, including humanitarian assistance and development projects.
Conveying his warm greetings and best wishes to the UAE leadership, the prime minister said he looked forward to the upcoming visit of UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Pakistan.
The Prime Minister warmly welcomed Ambassador Al Zaabi and congratulated him on his recent appointment.
Ambassador Al Zaabi thanked the Prime Minister for receiving him and conveyed the greetings and best wishes of the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
He reaffirmed the UAE’s strong determination and keen interest in deepening its partnership with Pakistan in all spheres and assured the Prime Minister that he would work hard to explore new avenues of cooperation that would benefit both nations.
