Crown Prince meets Pakistan leader Imran Khan
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed welcomed the prime minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, to the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi yesterday to discuss a possible assistance package for the south Asian country.
The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Mr Khan discussed the strengthening of ties and investments, and exchanged views on regional and international developments of mutual concern.
Mr Khan’s last visit to the UAE was in September and a high-level UAE delegation from the Emirates also visited Pakistan in late October to discuss a bailout package.
The visit came after the announcement last month of $6 billion (Dh22bn) in assistance to Pakistan from Saudi Arabia to help the country with its deepening economic crisis, of
which $3bn was allocated to Pakistan’s Central Bank.
The rupee has fallen 25 per cent against the dollar since December.
The UAE delegation in Pakistan included senior management and officials from Mubadala Petroleum, Etisalat, DP World, Dubai Investment Authority, Emaar companies, Al Dahra Agriculture and Abu Dhabi Fund for Development.
Last night Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice Presiden and Ruler of Dubai, received Mr Khan and his delegation.
The meeting, at Zabeel Palace, addressed ways of intensifying co-operation between the two friendly countries with the two leaders exchanging views on a number of issues of common interest.
This month, the Pakistan government began talks with the International Monetary Fund over a possible bailout, even after securing support from Saudi Arabia.
Islamabad last received a bailout package of $6.6bn from the IMF in 2013.
Mr Khan took power in August and has promised to create an “Islamic welfare state”, which will include the construction of five million homes for the poor.