Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday during his day-long visit to United Arab Emirates met Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE’s Armed Forces Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. PM Imran discussed bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest with Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his delegation. The premier is accompanied by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa and Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Finance, Petroleum, Power and Adviser to the Prime Minister on Commerce.
PM Khan is visiting UAE on the invitation of Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi and deputy supreme commander of UAE’s armed forces. The PM is accompanied by ministers of foreign affairs, finance, petroleum, power and adviser on commerce. He has met with the top leadership and held talks on the matters of mutual interest during his visit. Previously, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi met his UAE counterpart Shaikh Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan November 17. Foreign Office spokesperson Dr Faisal tweeted that the two FMs discussed bilateral cooperation and issues of mutual interest. FM Qureshi is already in the UAE to attend the 9th Sir Bani Yas Forum, where the changing environment of the Middle East and efforts to bring peace in the region are being discussed.
It is pleasing development that incumbent government is looking forward to further strengthen relations with regional and other major countries. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Imran Khan had visited China and held very vital talks to take the already strong relations to new heights as China is already investing billions of dollars in Pakistan. It is good omen that PTI government has responded positively to the request of UAE and accepted the invitation of visit. Both countries can explore the ways to take already close relations to the next level in order to explore ways to get mutual economic benefits. Over the years UAE has emerged as one of Pakistan’s major economic and trading partners. A large number of Pakistani expatriates, numbering nearly 1.2 million are gainfully employed in UAE. The Pakistani expatriates in UAE have contributed in a significant manner to promotion of bilateral understanding and to the economy of Pakistan through their home remittances. As per estimates current trade between the two countries stands at around 9 billion US dollars, indeed this volume can be increased manifold.
It is pleasant development that PTI government is exploring ways to further strengthen relations with regional countries.