UAE to back Pakistan's quest for free trade agreement with the GCC

Abu Dhabi: The meeting between the foreign ministers of the UAE and Pakistan confirmed the continued strong alliance and cooperation between the two countries.

Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE Foreign Minister, on Monday met his counterpart Hina Rabbani Khar, Pakistan's Foreign Minister, at the 10th session of the Pakistan-UAE Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC).

The discussions focused on ways to further enhance economic and commercial ties between the two countries. Among the objectives of the event is also Pakistan's aim for garnering support as it negotiates a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the GCC.

Shaikh Abdullah assured Pakistan of the UAE's full support for the Pakistan-GCC FTA and stated that the UAE valued its relations with Pakistan due to the two countries' long and deep brotherly relations.

One of the main missions of the Pakistani minister during her visit to the UAE is to encourage investment in her country, in addition to highlighting the numerous benefits and opportunities for UAE businesses interested in investing.

Trade between the two countries continues to increase, reaching $6.7 billion (Dh24.45 billion) last year.

While addressing a joint press conference in Abu Dhabi yesterday, Khar stressed that there were ample opportunities for UAE investors in various fields of renewable energy, oil and gas, hydro-petroleum refineries, technology, agriculture, infrastructure and other sectors in Pakistan.

The meeting also addressed the exchange and safety of labour.

The UAE is one of the major employers of Pakistani expatriates, with about 1.2 million gainfully employed here.

"The UAE has one of the richest diversities of foreign labour. It is important that our trading partners continue to clarify working conditions and properly set expectations so our exchange of manpower continues to be beneficial for our countries," Shaikh Abdullah said.

Fighting trafficking

Khar said: "The security of our workers is important and we work hard to control our borders and minimise human trafficking."

To a question in relation to regional security and Iran, Shaikh Abdullah said the UAE's position is clear.

"The security of the GCC is an integral part of global security, and the responsibility of peace and regional stability is a matter of global importance," Shaikh Abdullah said.

"The uninterrupted flow of oil through the Gulf and the stability of oil prices are interlinked to the stability of the region and the world," he added.

The meeting also addressed ways to strengthen an understanding of cultures through the launch of the ‘Pakistani League' that offers to the UAE a first-hand picture of the real Pakistani culture.

The ministers said the joint ministerial commission meeting was a success.