MUTUAL trust and understanding is hallmark of Pakistan-UAE rapport. Frequent exchanges of high level and regular bilateral consultation between the two countries continue to occur and are reflective of strong bonds that exist between them. In a telephonic conversation on Sunday, Prime Minister Imran Khan and Emirati Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan reiterated the resolve to further strengthen this bilateral relationship.
Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed is a friend of Pakistan and has always given immense importance to relationship with Pakistan and supported it in difficult times. The UAE had in 2019 provided $2bn to Pakistan to strengthen its foreign exchange reserves. The latest telephone call took place in the backdrop of reports that the UAE has rolled over its $1 billion loan for Pakistan for another year. The UAE is also Pakistan’s largest trading partner in the Middle East and has supported us in the areas of education, health and infrastructure development for which people of Pakistan remain grateful. In our view, time has come to transform this relationship into a strong economic partnership by diversifying cooperation in different areas. In fact there is immense scope of promoting cooperation especially in the areas of agriculture, science & technology and energy. Engagement should be further stepped up at different levels to tap that potential. Both the countries have a lot to achieve jointly.
