UAE deputy PM arrives for trade, investment talks

Ag Agencies

ISLAMABAD: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, arrived in Islamabad on Sunday to hold talks on various aspects of bilateral relations, including trade and investment.

In a statement, the Foreign Office said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar received his counterpart in Islamabad. “He is on a two-day official visit to Pakistan,” the statement added.

During his official trip, from April 20 to April 21, UAE Deputy PM Sheikh Abdullah will hold talks with his counterpart Dar, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif with discussions covering the entire spectrum of bilateral relations.

The meeting, as per the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), will particularly focus on trade and investment, energy cooperation, regional security and people-to-people linkages will be reviewed during the meeting.

“The high-level visit reflects the deep-rooted, fraternal relations between Pakistan and the UAE, and underscores the two countries’ shared commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation across all areas of mutual interest,” the FO said in a statement.

The visit will also provide an opportunity for both sides to exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest and concern.

During his time in Pakistan, the UAE dignitary will also call on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, with the two leaders set to “reaffirm the shared vision for peace and prosperity in the region”.

“The visit will further cement the longstanding Pakistan-UAE ties and contribute to deepening bilateral engagements in diverse fields, benefiting the peoples of both countries,” read the statement issued by the MoFA.

Sheikh Abdullah’s visit comes after Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to Pakistan in February, during which the two countries signed five agreements to enhance bilateral cooperation in various fields, including banking, railways, mining and infrastructural investment.

Pakistan and the UAE share a rich history of bilateral ties expanding to multiple fields and domains, with a large number of Pakistanis living and working in the Gulf country, which has also recently enabled Pakistani nationals to obtain five-year visas as well.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held telephonic conversation with the Foreign Minister of Iran, Seyed Abbas Araghchi. They discussed bilateral relations reaffirming resolve to deepen cooperation. Regional and global developments of mutual interest were also discussed.

DPM expressed the hope that mediation efforts between the USA and Iran will lead to peace, security and development.

Also, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar spoke with acting Afghan Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi. DPM/FM thanked him for the warm welcome and sumptuous hospitality extended to him and accompanying delegation during his recent visit to Kabul.

Both leaders expressed satisfaction at the outcome of the discussions held during the visit and agreed to expeditiously implement the decisions taken for the mutual benefit of people of the two countries. DPM/FM extended an invitation to acting Afghan Foreign Minister to visit Pakistan, which he happily accepted.

Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a telephonic call with the Foreign Minister of Oman, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi. They reviewed the existing bilateral ties and expressed satisfaction on its upward trajectory. Regional and international current issues of mutual interest also came under discussion.