Sheikh Abdullah praises strong relations between UAE and Pakistan

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation says the visa restriction on Pakistanis is temporary

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, is in India on an official visit. Wam    

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, spoke of the strong ties between the UAE and Pakistan on Sunday.

Pakistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, is in the Emirates on an official visit.

During their meeting, the foreign ministers discussed ways to further strengthen co-operation in various fields.

Both discussed the challenges of the pandemic, economic and investment issues and joint initiatives between the two countries.

They also spoke of the latest developments in the region.

Sheikh Abdullah said more than 1.5 million Pakistanis live in the UAE and they contribute to the growth of the country.

He said the recent visa restrictions on Pakistanis was temporary to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

The people of both countries share strong and historic ties. Pakistan was among the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with the UAE and has maintained good relations since 1971.

"The close relations between the UAE and Pakistan have strengthened over the past decades,” said Sheikh Abdullah.

“It 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."

Both countries work on the principles of tolerance, inclusiveness and an agenda to ensure peace and stability in the region.

"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,” said Sheikh Abdullah.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, also met Mr Qureshi on Thursday.

In January, Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan visited the UAE capital to meet Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed almost a year after the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces visited Pakistan.

During Mr Khan's visit, the UAE pledged Dh734 million ($200m) in development aid to the country, which was struggling economically at the time.

The UAE is also involved in efforts to eradicate polio in Pakistan by 2022.

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