ISLAMABAD: The leadership of Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates Sundaywhile reviewing progress on transforming special bilateral ties into a longterm strategic economic partnership, reiterated their commitment to furtherexpand and diversify the relations.
The bilateral ties were discussed during the meetings between PrimeMinister Imran Khan and the UAE leadership on the sidelines of the 7thedition of the World Government Summit held in Dubai.
The prime minister also attended the international event as keynote speakerat the invitation of Sheikh Muhammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Presidentand Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai.
He was accompanied by Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi,Finance Minister Asad Umar, Minister for Information and Broadcasting FawadAhmed Chaudhry, Minister for Maritime Affairs Ali Haider Zaidi, Advisor onCommerce, Abdul Razzak Dawood, Advisor on Institutional Reform andAusterity Dr. Ishrat Hussain, Advisor on Climate Change Malik Amin AslamKhan and Advisor on Overseas Pakistanis Zulfiqar Abbas Bukhari, said aForeign Office statement.
The prime minister held bilateral meetings separately with Sheikh Muhammadbin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commanderof UAE Armed Forces and Sheikh Muhammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, PrimeMinister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
On the sidelines of the Summit, the prime minister met with Prime Ministerof Lebanon Saad Hariri and held discussions with Christine Lagarde,Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
In his address at the Summit, Prime Minister Imran Khan lauded the UAEleadership for its vision in hosting a Summit on innovation and ideas, andfor the progress the country had achieved over the years.
He underscored that the key ingredients of a nation’s success includedfocus on promoting merit, justice and welfare of the poor.
He further underscored his vision for Pakistan, based on the principlespursued in the state of Medina by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
The prime minister also spoke about investment opportunities in Pakistanparticularly the tourism sector, the government’s reform agenda andpolicies aimed at stabilizing the economy, mitigating climate change,encouraging private sector and promoting ease of business.
The meetings with the UAE leadership focused on a wide range of areas ofmutual interest, including review of progress in transforming specialhistoric ties between Pakistan and the UAE into a long term strategiceconomic partnership.
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Recalling Crown Prince Sheikh Muhammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s last visit toPakistan in January this year, the Prime Minister thanked for UAE’scontinued and generous socioeconomic support.
The two leaders also discussed regional issues of common concern. The primeminister apprised the crown prince of progress on peace and reconciliationin Afghanistan. It was decided to hold the next session of Pakistan-UAEJoint Ministerial Commission at the earliest opportunity.
During his meeting with Sheikh Muhammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the primeminister thanked him for the invitation to attend the Summit as keynotespeaker.
He lauded the UAE for its focus on innovation, and appreciated his visionin leveraging technology and knowledge economy for the improvement of thelives of the citizens.
He viewed that World Government Summit had become an important platform forworld leaders and experts for exchanging ideas to improve governance.
The prime minister briefed Sheikh Muhammad about Pakistan’s reform agenda,particularly with regard to facilitating both foreign and domesticinvestment in Pakistan.
He also highlighted Pakistan’s immense tourism potential and urged the UAEinvestors to consider investing in Pakistan’s tourism and hospitalitysectors.
During the meeting with Prime Minister Saad Hariri of Lebanon the twoleaders expressed satisfaction over the cordial relations existing betweenPakistan and Lebanon and agreed to enhance high level exchanges.
Prime Minister Imran Khan apprised his Lebanese counterpart about hisvision, including inter alia introducing accountability, transparency andmeritocracy at all levels of government.
