ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Imran Khan and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi andDeputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Armed ForcesSheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Sunday underscored the importance ofeffectively pursuing the various initiatives taken for a strengthenedstrategic bilateral economic relationship, including working on a long terminvestment framework agreement.They also resolved to take all necessary measures to deal with mattersrelated to trade enhancement, and decided to form a task force to achievethe objective, the PM Office media wing said in a statement issued on theconclusion of the UAE Crown Prince’s official visit to Pakistan.The two leaders noted that the forthcoming Pakistan-UAE Joint MinisterialCommission, which would be co-chaired by the respective foreign ministersin Abu Dhabi in February 2019, could play a pivotal role in chalking out acomprehensive road map, and in fast tracking the approval of pendingagreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs).To counter white collar crimes, including money laundering, the two leadersinstructed the authorities concerned to expedite the finalization of theMutual Legal Assistance Agreement.They also expressed satisfaction at the ongoing defence and securitycooperation, and resolved to explore further collaboration in the areas oftraining, joint exercises and defence production.On the invitation of Prime Minister, Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin ZayedAl Nahyan paid a state visit to Pakistan on Sunday. He was accompanied by ahigh level delegation comprising cabinet members and senior officials. TheCrown Prince visited Pakistan after 12 years.“The visit underscored the strength and substance of the Pakistan-UAEspecial relationship, which is based on the spirit of mutual affection anddeep trust, and is rooted in age old civilizational, religious, culturaland commercial affinities,” the statement said.Earlier, at the Nur khan Airbase, the Crown Prince was received by thePrime Minister and accorded a ceremonial reception at the Prime Minister’sHouse, which was followed by a tete-a-tete and delegation level talks.In a special gesture of warmth and cordiality, Prime Minister Imran Khanaccompanied the special guest to the Prime Minister’s House.The two leaders expressed their resolve that while building on the strongand proud legacy, they would continue to strive for progress, prosperityand stability of both the UAE and Pakistan.Both the leaders held wide ranging talks focusing on all areas of bilateralrelations. Taking note of the positive trajectory of relations, the twoleaders expressed their determination to further strengthen the historicand mutually beneficial relationship.They also discussed various issues of regional and global importance, andnoted that a complete identity of views on the issues serves as the basisof long-lasting and trusted friendship.Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed his gratitude for the generous balanceof payment support of US$3 billion and noted that the financial supportshowed the UAE’s continued commitment and friendship that remainedsteadfast over the years.He also welcomed the UAE’s interest in investing in Pakistan’s oil and gas,logistics, ports and construction sectors.The Prime Minister briefed the Crown Prince on the situation in the IndianOccupied Jammu and Kashmir and the plight of Kashmiris.
They strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, andexpressed their resolve to work closely to root out the scourge.The Crown Prince recognized the efforts and unparalleled sacrifices made byPakistan to eliminate terrorism and extremism.
Prime Minister Imran Khan briefed the UAE leadership about his government’speople centric reform agenda, and the steps taken to promote transparencyand accountability at all levels of government.The Prime Minister briefed the Crown Prince about the efforts Pakistan wasmaking to support and facilitate the Afghan-owned and Afghan-ledreconciliation process.He also appreciated the role the UAE was playing by hosting reconciliationtalks in Abu Dhabi . The two leaders agreed to work closely for the lastingpeace and stability of Afghanistan.The Prime Minister congratulated the leadership of UAE for declaring 2019as the year of tolerance and noted that it was the best way to pay tributeto the vision and legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.The two leaders reiterated their strong belief that only by espousing theprinciples of tolerance, inclusivity, non-interference and focusing on apeople centric development agenda, the region could attain sustainablepeace and stability.
Prime Minister Imran Khan thanked the UAE leadership and its people fortheir continued commitment to Pakistan’s socioeconomic development in theshape of Pakistan Assistance Programme.He thanked Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his support to eradicatepolio from Pakistan.
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The Crown Prince expressed his sincere appreciation for the warm welcomeand hospitality extended to him.
