ISLAMABAD: In a major diplomatic overture, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday telephoned the president of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Emir of Qatar and discussed with them matters of regional and global importance.
The prime minister also invited the President of United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to visit Pakistan which the latter accepted with “great pleasure”.
A statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office said that the invitation was extended by PM Shehbaz during a telephone call to the UAE president. He had called the UAE leader to extend greetings on the auspicious occasion of Eidul Azha.
“The prime minister also extended best wishes for the continued progress and prosperity of the brotherly people of the UAE. Reaffirming the fraternal relations between Pakistan and the UAE, the two leaders reiterated their mutual commitment to further expand and diversify special bilateral relations,” said the PMO.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed reciprocated the PM’s greetings and extended best wishes to the Pakistani people on Eid.
“Pakistan and the UAE enjoy close fraternal ties for five decades that are rooted firmly in common belief and shared values and culture. The UAE is Pakistan’s largest trading partner in the Middle East and a major source of investments,” said the PMO.
The Prime Minister also called Emir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani and extended greetings on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha. The prime minister conveyed his best wishes to the people of Qatar.
The Amir of Qatar warmly reciprocated the greetings and extended best wishes to
the people of Pakistan. Both the leaders expressed satisfaction over the excellent state of bilateral relations and resolved to carry forward the robust political and economic cooperation that existed between the two countries.
The two leaders agreed to maintain close contact and work together on all issues of common interest. Qatar and Pakistan enjoy close and cordial relations rooted firmly in shared faith, mutual understanding and commonality of interests.
Qatar is home to a 200,000-strong Pakistan diaspora that is playing a positive role in the development of the State of Qatar.
