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| Khan and bin Zayed |
Prime Minister Imran Khan and Crown Prince HH Shiekh Muhammad bin Zayed
Al Nahyan agree to transform Pakistan-UAE Relations into Long Term Strategic
Economic Partnership.
On the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Muhammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan,
the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces,
the Prime Minister of Pakistan, H.E. Imran Khan paid an official visit to the
United Arab Emirates on 18 November 2018.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by a high level delegation comprising
Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Finance Minister Asad Umar,
Minister for Petroleum Ghulam Sarwar Khan, Minister for Power Omar Ayub Khan,
Advisor on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood and Chief of Army Staff General Qamar
Javed Bajwa.
The Prime Minister was received by His Highness Sheikh Muhammad bin Zayed
Al Nahyan and accorded a ceremonial reception at the Presidential Palace, which
was followed by delegation level talks. In Dubai, the Prime Minister was
received by His Highness Sheikh Muhammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice
President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Prime Minister Khan also visited Sheikh Zayed Mosque, and the Martyrs’ Memorial
where he paid homage to Emirati heroes who had sacrificed in the service of
their nation.
Delegation level talks with Crown Prince His Highness Sheikh Muhmmad bin
Zayed 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 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.
Prime Minister Khan and Crown Prince Muhammad bin Zayed 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 finalization 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 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 recognized 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 organized crime, including drug trafficking, money
laundering and human trafficking.
Prime Minister Imran Khan paid rich tribute to the founder and first
President of the UAE, His Highness 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
Pakistan and its people. The people of Pakistan reciprocated this love, and
continue to hold Sheikh Zayed and the leadership of the UAE in high esteem.
The Prime Minister further lauded the progress achieved by the UAE in
fostering tolerance, inclusive economic development, innovation, and youth and
womenempowerment. In particular, he appreciated UAE’ssuccess in promoting tourism,
and leveraging technology for improved governance.
Prime Minister Imran Khan thanked the UAE and its leadership for their
continued commitment to Pakistan’s socioeconomic development in the shape of
Pakistan Assistance Programme. He specifically thanked His Highness Sheikh
Muhammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his support to eradicate polio from Pakistan.
Prime Minister Imran Khan briefed the UAE leadership about his
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 the UAE in making this 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.
This was the second visit of Prime Minister Imran Khan to the UAE in as
many months. The visit underscored the strength and substance of the
Pakistan-UAE special relationship, which is based on the spirit of mutual
affection and deep trust, and rooted in age old civilizational, religious,
cultural and commercial affinities.
Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed his sincere appreciation for the warm
welcome and hospitality extended to him and his delegation. He reiterated his
invitation to H.H Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to visit Pakistan on
mutually convenient dates. His Highness happily accepted the invitation.
