UAE President arrives in Pakistan for talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif

Leaders explore ways to enhance co-operation in key sectors including the economy, investment and trade

President Sheikh Mohamed meets Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan. Photo: UAE Presidential Court

President Sheikh Mohamed has met Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the city of Rahim Yar Khan.

During the talks, the leaders explored ways to enhance co-operation in sectors including economic, investment and trade, with a focus on sustainable economic development, state news agency Wam reported on Sunday. The leaders also "exchanged views on a number of regional and international issues of common interest".

Mr Sharif thanked Sheikh Mohamed for the UAE's continuing support for Pakistan and underscored the strong relations the two countries share.

Sheikh Mohamed emphasised the need to strengthen and further develop bilateral relations in the economic, investment and developmental fields.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs, Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary General of the Supreme Council for National Security, and Hamad Al Zaabi, UAE ambassador to Pakistan, also attended the meeting.

In May, the UAE pledged $10 billion to invest in promising economic sectors in Pakistan during Mr Sharif's official visit to the country. It came after Mr Sharif was elected Prime Minister for a second term in March.

The UAE is home to more than one million Pakistani citizens, representing the Emirates' second largest community of foreign residents. The two countries enjoy long-standing relations dating back to the birth of the Emirates. Pakistan was among the first countries to recognise the UAE after it was founded in December 1971.

Pakistan also played an integral role in helping the UAE's aviation dreams to take flight. In 1985, Pakistan International Airlines offered support as Dubai sought to develop its own flagship airline, Emirates. The airline provided assistance to Emirates and leased two aircraft to the fledgling company, which showed its gratitude by selecting Karachi as the destination for its maiden flight.