–PM Khan, Crown Prince Sheikh Muhammad bin Zayed discuss bilateral ties
–Premier meets Emirati counterpart in Dubai
–Both sides agree to hold Pakistan-UAE Joint Ministerial Commission in February 2019
ABU DHABI: Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Sunday resolved to strengthen bilateral trade and economic ties, besides fostering cooperation to deal with transnational organised crime, including money laundering, drug and human trafficking.
Bilateral ties were discussed in the meetings between the Emirati leadership and Prime Minister Imran Khan who paid a day-long visit to the Emirates, at the invitation of UAE Armed Forces Deputy Supreme Commander and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Muhammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan, according to a Foreign Office (FO) statement.
The prime minister was accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Finance Minister Asad Umar, Minister for Petroleum Ghulam Sarwar Khan, Minister for Power Omar Ayub Khan, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood and Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa.
Upon his arrival at the Presidential Palace, Sheikh Muhammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan received the prime minister and accorded a ceremonial reception which was followed by delegation-level talks.
In Dubai, the prime minister was received by Sheikh Muhammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the vice president and prime minister of the UAE and the ruler of Dubai. They held a meeting at Sheikh Mohammad Palace of Dubai wherein the two leaders discussed bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest.
The prime minister also visited Sheikh Zayed Mosque and the Martyrs’ Memorial where he paid homage to Emirati heroes, who had sacrificed their lives in the service of the nation.
In the delegation-level talks with Crown Prince Sheikh Muhammad bin Zayed, the two sides focused on all areas of bilateral, regional, and global interest.
Expressing satisfaction at the positive trajectory of relations, the two leaders agreed to take immediate measures to further elevate their historic partnership. They resolved to strengthen trade and economic ties and eliminate all impediments to a seamless flow of trade and investment between the two countries.
They expressed satisfaction over the fruitful outcome of the visit of the high-level UAE economic delegation to Pakistan recently and reiterated their resolve to transform the existing special relations into a Strategic Long-Term Economic Partnership by adopting a direct, transparent and time bound approach.
The two sides agreed to chalk out a comprehensive roadmap to accelerate cooperation and partnership in areas encompassing trade, investment, economic development, energy, infrastructure and agriculture, with a view to accrue early dividends from the economic partnership.
PM Khan and the crown prince decided to hold the next Pakistan-UAE Joint Ministerial Commission, to be co-chaired by the respective foreign ministers, in Abu Dhabi in February 2019. They further reaffirmed their commitment to hold the Senior Officials’ Bilateral Political Consultations between the foreign ministries and fast track finalisation of pending agreements at the earliest.
The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the on-going defence and security cooperation and resolved to explore further collaboration in the areas of training, joint exercises and defence production.
The two leaders noted that a key element of the partnership between the two countries was the complete identity of views on regional and global importance. They reiterated their strong belief that only by espousing the principles of tolerance, inclusivity, non-interference and focusing on a people-centric development agenda can the region attain sustainable peace and stability.
They strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and expressed their resolve to work closely to root out this scourge. The crown prince recognised the efforts and unparalleled sacrifices made by Pakistan to eliminate terrorism and extremism.
The two sides also agreed to further strengthen their cooperation to deal with transnational organised crime, including money laundering, drug and human trafficking.
The prime minister also paid tribute to the founder and first president of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, for his foresight and visionary leadership and his contribution towards laying the foundation of Pakistan-UAE friendship. Sheikh Zayed, the prime minister recalled, was a sincere friend of Pakistan, who had great love in his heart for the country and its people. The people of Pakistan reciprocated this love, and continue to hold Sheikh Zayed and the leadership of UAE in high esteem.
The prime minister further lauded the progress achieved by UAE in fostering tolerance, inclusive economic development, innovation, and youth and women empowerment. In particular, he appreciated UAE’s success in promoting tourism and leveraging technology for improved governance.
The premier thanked UAE and its leadership for their continued commitment to Pakistan’s socio-economic development in the shape of Pakistan Assistance Programme. He specifically thanked the crown prince for his support for the eradication of polio from Pakistan.
PM Khan also briefed the UAE leadership about the government’s people-centric reform agenda, including the steps being taken to eliminate corruption and promote transparency and accountability at all levels of government.
Pakistan reiterated its readiness to actively participate in Expo 2020 and extend full support to UAE in making the mega event a great success. Pakistan offered UAE the services of its IT professionals and skilled labour in preparing for Expo 2020.
Acknowledging the contribution of Pakistani professionals as well as skilled and unskilled workers in the development of UAE, the two sides agreed to enhance cooperation on all labour-related issues.
The prime minister further expressed his sincere appreciation for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him and his delegation. He reiterated his invitation to the crown prince to visit Pakistan on mutually convenient dates. His invitation was happily accepted.
