ABU DHABI – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Monday extended the deadline forthe repayment of the $2 billion loan given to Pakistan in 2019.

The development was announced after a meeting between Foreign Minister ShahMehmood Qureshi with his UAE counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed AlNahyan in Abu Dhabi. UAE FM briefed his Pakistani counterpart on theextension of the loan repayment period.

The official handle of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also confirmed thedevelopment. “FM Qureshi lauded UAE’s consistent support to Pakistan andwelcomed the announcement of rolling back payment of $ 2 billion, whichsymbolizes the depth and strength of bilateral ties,” MOFA post statedTuesday.

During the meeting, both dignitaries discussed two-way cooperation inmutual interest sectors including trade, investment, infrastructuredevelopment, energy, technology, tourism, and workforce.

Qureshi also thanked the Emirates Foreign Minister for full support of theEmirate government in the establishment of the Pakistani pavilion in Expo,Dubai 2020.

“Pakistan will fully participate in the Dubai Expo 2020 this year inOctober and the world may know about Pakistan’s history, geographicalimportance, civilization, and the wide opportunities available for businessand tourism in Pakistan,” Foreign Minister said.