His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Imran Khan explore mutual cooperation, regional development.

​

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, today held talks with Prime Minister Imran Khan, focusing on strengthening the relations between the UAE and Pakistan, in addition to the current regional and international developments.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed affirmed his keenness to develop cooperation with Pakistan to serve the two countries' common interests.

"The UAE, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, places great importance to strengthening its relations with Pakistan at various levels," he said.

Sheikh Mohamed expressed his confidence in the development of the UAE-Pakistan relations in all sectors, commending the current level of economic and trade ties, noting that they are witnessing continuous growth. He also lauded both sides' endeavors to further boost these relations in the future.

In December, the UAE deposited US$3 billion (equivalent to AED11 billion) in the State Bank of Pakistan to support the bank’s liquidity and foreign currency reserves. The move is an affirmation of the UAE's commitment - since the time of the Founding Father, late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan- to stand by Pakistan.

The UAE, Sheikh Mohamed noted, focuses on supporting all efforts to achieve development, security and peace at regional and international levels through its constructive initiatives.

"We spare no effort to promote the values of tolerance, dialogue, coexistence and cooperation in the face of various regional and international challenges."

"My close relationship with Pakistan started at a very young age, during my childhood. And I'm lucky today to be in Pakistan in my first official foreign visit during 2019. My sincere wishes for success and prosperity to the government and people of Pakistan," Sheikh Mohamed said.

He expressed optimism about the new generation leading Pakistan. "They provide chances at building hope and establishing prosperous foreign relations over years to come."

At the beginning of the meeting, which was held at the Prime Minister House in Islamabad, Prime Minister Imran Khan welcomed Sheikh Mohamed's visit, noting the strong relations between the two countries in several sectors, which were established by late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Imran Khan said that Sheikh Zayed has a special place in heart of every Pakistani and it will remain forever. "There is much evidence of the support provided by Sheikh Zayed to Pakistan at all levels," he added, reiterating his appreciation for the recent financial support provided by the UAE to the State Bank of Pakistan. He emphasized the importance of this initiative, which reflects the depth of relations between both countries.

Sheikh Mohamed and Prime Minister Imran Khan explored various aspects of political, economic, investment and developmental relations and the possibility of enhancing them in multiple vital sectors, as well as intensifying coordination on new opportunities that serve the aspirations of the two countries.

Prime Minister of Pakistan held a luncheon in honour of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed and his accompanying delegation.

The meeting was attended by H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation; H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs; Pilot Staff-Brigadier Sheikh Ahmed bin Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the UAE National Service and Reserve Authority; along with a number of ministers and senior officials.

Among those who also attended from the Pakistani side were Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi; Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Ghulam Sarwar Khan; Minister for Defence Production Zubaida Jalal Khan; Minister of Finance Asad Umar; Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua; Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Khan Afridi; Prime Minister’s Adviser for Commerce, Textile, Industry & Production, Abdul Razak Dawood; Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, Syed Zulfiqar Abbas Bukhari; Chairman, Board of Investment (BOI) Haroon Sharif, and others.