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 continuing commitment to further strengthen its ties with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and called for increased UAE investment in key sectors to support Pakistan’s economic growth and stability.
The Prime Minister expressed these views during a meeting with the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Pakistan Salem Mohammed Salem Al Bawab Al Zaabi, who called on him at the PM House.
The Prime Minister was assisted by SAPM Tariq Fatemi and Foreign Minister Amna Baloch, the PM Office Media Wing said in a statement.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister expressed Pakistan’s deep appreciation for the longstanding and brotherly relations between Pakistan and the UAE, highlighting the strong bonds of friendship, mutual respect and close cooperation that have defined Pakistan-UAE bilateral ties for the past several decades.
He expressed satisfaction with the volume of bilateral trade between the two sides and further highlighted the need for both sides to focus on strengthening economic ties, trade, investment opportunities and cooperation in areas such as energy, minerals, IT, railways and aviation.
He also acknowledged the UAE’s consistent support to Pakistan in times of need, including humanitarian aid and development projects.
While conveying his warm greetings and best wishes to the UAE leadership, the Prime Minister said he was looking forward to the upcoming visit of the President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Pakistan.
The Prime Minister 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 UAE Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
He reaffirmed the UAE’s firm resolve and keen interest in deepening its partnership with Pakistan across all spheres and assured the Prime Minister that he would work hard to explore new avenues of cooperation that would benefit both nations.
