Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces in Abu Dhabi, today. The Prime Minister arrived in Abu Dhabi this evening upon completion of his visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister was accompanied by high level delegation including key members of the Cabinet and senior officials.
The Crown Prince congratulated Mr. ShehbazSharif on his election as the Prime Minister of Pakistan, and wished him great success in office. He also extended best wishes for the continued progress and prosperity of the people of Pakistan.
The two leaders held extensive consultations on a range of bilateral, regional and international issues.
The Prime Minister paid tributes to the founder and first President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (may Allah bless his soul), for his foresight and visionary leadership and his contribution towards laying the foundation of Pakistan-UAE friendship. He expressed his Government’s determination to strengthen mutually beneficial ties under the vision of His Highness late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Noting the first 50 years of fast-track and remarkable development of the UAE, the Prime Minister congratulated the UAE leadership and people and wished them more success in the decades ahead.
The Prime Minister felicitated the UAE leadership and Expo Team on successful holding of the Dubai World Expo 2020, widely acclaimed as a resounding success.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude to the UAE for its long-standing support to Pakistan bilaterally and at the multilateral forums. The Prime Minister in particular mentioned the humanitarian projects launched under the UAE-Pakistan Assistance Program in Pakistan as well as crucial support extended by the UAE during the Covid-19 pandemic.He also thanked the UAE for hosting 1.7 million Pakistanis with honour and dignity who are not only a bridge between Pakistan and the UAE but also pride of Pakistan.
Highlighting the noble initiative of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to eradicate polio worldwide, the Prime Minister lauded the pivotal role of the United Arab Emirates in supporting global efforts to eradicate this menace.
Reviewing bilateral cooperation in various fields, the two leaders resolved to further strengthen trade and economic ties, with particular focus on accelerating cooperation and building partnerships in areas encompassing, investments, economic development, energy, infrastructure and agriculture.
The Crown Prince assured the Prime Minister about making effective moves towards strengthening closer bilateral fraternal ties for the benefit of future generations of the two countries. He acknowledged with gratitude the constructive role played by Pakistanis in the development of the UAE when others had limited presence and contribution. He said that Pakistan and the UAE stood with each other during good or bad times and would continue to extend support to each other in future. He emphasized the importance of strengthening bridges between the two brotherly nations for the wellbeing of their people.
The two leaders discussed issues of regional and international importance. It was decided to remain in regular contact on all issues of mutual interest as well as coordinate positions at multilateral forums including the UN and the OIC.
