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 underlined Pakistan’s strong and continued commitment to further strengthen its relations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and called on the UAE to increase its investments in key sectors to support Pakistan’s economic growth and stability.
The Prime Minister expressed these views during a meeting with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador to Pakistan, Salem Mohammed Salem Al Bawab Al Zaabi, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Prime Minister’s House.
The Prime Minister was assisted by SAPM Tariq Fatemi and Foreign Secretary 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 brotherly relations between Pakistan and the UAE, highlighting the strong bonds of friendship, mutual respect and close cooperation that have defined 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 strengthening economic ties, trade, investment opportunities and collaboration in areas such as energy, minerals, information technology, railways and aviation.
He also acknowledged the UAE’s constant support to Pakistan in times of need, including humanitarian assistance and development projects.
While conveying 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 greetings and best wishes from UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
He reaffirmed the UAE’s strong resolve and keen interest in deepening its partnership with Pakistan in all areas and assured the Prime Minister that it would work hard to explore new avenues of cooperation that would benefit both nations.
