UAE assures Pakistan of maintaining support
abu dhabi — The UAE assured Pakistan of maintaining its efforts and humanitarian and development work in Pakistan.
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, said this to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan while receiving him at Abu Dhabi.
A joint statement issued after the visit said the Pakistan prime minister’s visit was in response to an invitation by Sheikh Mohamed.
“The visit came to strengthen the bonds of friendship between the two countries and to reflect the depth of the historical relationship its establishment to the present day, a relationship that flourished to various partnerships, defined by the economic relations and trade exchanges over half a century,” said the statement.
The Crown Prince congratulated Imran Khan on the peaceful transition of the government in Pakistan and his election as the prime minister. He wished him success in the implementation of his reforms agenda.
The two sides discussed joint cooperation in various fields of mutual interest and work closely to develop them to benefit the peoples of the UAE and Pakistan, particularly as the two countries are interlinked with common traditions and values and strong historical relations.
The meeting discussed issues of regional and international dimensions, notably the fight against the spread of extremism and terrorism in the region and world by all means, and the need to tackle the incitement and radical thought by developing multiple and sustainable strategies and plans to root out terrorism.
Imran Khan “applauded the UAE’s assistance to the Pakistani people through UAE Pakistan Assistance Program (UAEPAP) amounting $420 million, which include several sectors of development and humanitarian, especially the health, education, water, roads sectors and humanitarian assistance”.
“The two sides also discussed strengthening economic cooperation and increasing bilateral investments and exerting all possible efforts to eliminate obstacles and overcome all difficulties that would obstruct the smooth flow of trade and investment between the two countries, as Pakistan is considered an important trading partner of the UAE,” the statement said.
The initiative of Sheikh Mohamed to eradicate polio worldwide and the pivotal role of the UAE in supporting global efforts to eradicate this menace was also appraised, as it comes as part of the directives of the President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to help Pakistan eradicate this disease and promote healthcare efforts in Pakistan.
“Both sides expressed their satisfaction over convergence of their views on issues of regional and global importance through the principles of tolerance, inclusiveness and the agenda focusing on development as guarantee to peace and stability in the region.” —