Abu Dhabi: Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, affirmed the depth of the bilateral relations between the UAE and Pakistan, and recalled the keenness of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan on the relations during the early stages of establishment. He made this statement following the visit of Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Foreign Minister of the friendly Islamic Republic of Pakistan, to the UAE. Sheikh Abdullah met Qureshi on December 17 during Pakistan Foreign Minister’s two-day visit to the UAE.
The two sides exchanged views on the latest developments in the region, and discussed regional and international issues of mutual concern and ways to coordinate responses on issues of interest.
Sheikh Abdullah affirmed the depth of the distinguished relations between the two friendly countries and the keenness to enhance and develop further aspects of joint cooperation across all fields.
He praised the Pakistani community for playing a great role and making active contribution to the growth and prosperity of the country.
Temporary visa restrictions
He noted that this reflects the interconnectivity of the people of the two friendly countries, stressing the temporary nature of the recent restrictions imposed on the issuance of visas due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The discussion between the foreign ministers of the two fraternal countries included ways to further enhance and strengthen joint cooperation in various fields, consistent with the directives of the leadership of the two countries. Both sides discussed the challenges and repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic and investment issues of mutual interest and prospects for further joint cooperation in order to fulfil the aspirations of the two friendly countries and their people.
He referred to the long-standing close relations between the two countries since the founding of the UAE in 1971, as Pakistan was among the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with the UAE. The two friendly people and countries share strong historical ties that enhance prospects of their broad cooperation across all fields.
Multifaceted cooperation
Sheikh Abdullah added: “The close relations between the UAE and Pakistan have continued to be strengthened over the past decades and translated into multifaceted cooperation, which represents a unique case in Arab-Asian relations in the region, as political relations between the UAE and Pakistan are based on a long history of joint action, trust and respect.” The mutual interests and visions of the two countries converge on issues of regional and international importance through the principles of tolerance, inclusiveness and an agenda based on development to ensure peace and stability in the region.
Sheikh Abdullah said: “The UAE and Pakistan enjoy close relations and historical ties across political, economic, cultural and social domains, established on solid foundations of mutual friendship and respect.”
