Khalifa, Zardari explore ways to strengthen ties

Abu Dhabi: President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Monday held talks with Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari on the latest developments on the regional and international fronts and a number of issues of mutual interest.

The Pakistani President arrived here on a two-day visit to the UAE.

Shaikh Khalifa and Zardari discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance them as well as the possibility of creating opportunities of partnership and new avenues of cooperation between the two countries.

The two leaders stressed the importance of preserving gains achieved by both countries in different areas and expressed hope that security and stability would prevail in the world.

They wished that countries around the world would overcome the repercussions of the global financial crisis.

Zardari emphasised his country's keenness to enhance its ties with the UAE in line with its belief in the balanced and wise policies of Shaikh Khalifa. He referred to the economic and development achievements made in various spheres.

The Pakistani leader thanked Shaikh Khalifa for the great role the UAE plays in supporting the Pakistani people in development and humanitarian aid fields.

He said the Pakistani people highly appreciate the UAE's efforts to support and reduce the suffering of the people of Pakistan. Shaikh Khalifa hosted a lunch banquet in honour of Zardari and his accompanying delegation.