Crown prince seals cash support deal

PM Imran personally receives the UAE royal at Nur Khan Airbase

ISLAMABAD: Almost four years ago, relations between Pakistan and key Arab countries, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), saw an unprecedented dip. The reason was Pakistan’s parliamentary resolution which recommended the then government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to stay neutral on the escalating crisis in Yemen.

The move drew unusual criticism from UAE, which had warned that Pakistan might have to pay a ‘heavy price’ for what it called taking an ambiguous stand on the request of Saudi Arabia to commit troops to Yemen.

Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Muhamed bin Zayed, Al Nahyan exchanging views during the official welcome ceremony. 🇵🇰🇦🇪 pic.twitter.com/QeAlhieqBm

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) January 6, 2019

But on Sunday, when Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan paid a one-day official visit to Pakistan, first by a UAE ruler in 12 years, it was clear the two countries have moved on from that hiccup.

In a departure from official protocol, Prime Minister Imran Khan himself went to the Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi to receive the UAE leader, who is also the deputy supreme commander of UAE’s armed forces.

پاکستان اور متحدہ عرب امارات کے وفود کے درمیان مزاکرات شروع.
پاکستان اور امارات کی اعلی قیادت کے درمیان تین ماہ میں ہونے والی یہ تیسری ملاقات ہے. محمد بن زاید النھیان کے دورے سے دونوں ملکوں کے برادرانہ تعلقات کو مزید فروغ ملےگا. 🇵🇰🇦🇪 pic.twitter.com/1PleErc2pn

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) January 6, 2019

He was then accorded a ceremonial reception at the Prime Minister House, which was followed by a tete-a-tete and delegation-level talks.

In a special gesture of warmth and cordiality, Prime Minister Imran accompanied the special guest to the PM House, said an official handout issued by the Foreign Office.

This was their third meeting in as many months as the prime minister has visited UAE twice since taking charge in August last year.



The visit of the crown prince came against the backdrop of recent announcement made by the UAE to extend $3 billion financial assistance to deal with Pakistan’s balance of payment crisis.

An oil facility on deferred payment totalling $3.2 is also being discussed between Pakistan and the UAE.

During the meeting with the crown prince, the prime minister expressed his gratitude for the “generous balance of payments support of $3 billion”.



He noted that the financial support showed UAE’s continued commitment and friendship that remained steadfast over the years.



He also welcomed UAE’s interest in investing in Pakistan’s oil and gas, logistics, ports and construction sectors.

The two leaders held wide-ranging talks focusing on all areas of bilateral relations.

Taking note of the positive trajectory of relations, the two leaders expressed their determination to further strengthen this historic and mutually beneficial relationship.

They also discussed various issues of regional and global importance, and noted that complete identification of views on these issues serves as the basis of long-lasting and trusted friendship.

Prime Minister Imran briefed the crown prince on the situation in Indian Occupied Kashmir and the plight of Kashmiris.

The two leaders underscored the importance of effectively pursuing the various initiatives taken for a strengthened strategic bilateral economic relationship, including working on a long-term investment framework agreement.

They also resolved to take all necessary measures to deal with matters related to trade enhancement, and decided to form a task force to achieve this objective.

The prime minister and the crown prince noted that the forthcoming Pakistan-UAE Joint Ministerial Commission, to be co-chaired by the respective foreign ministers in Abu Dhabi in February 2019, could play a pivotal role in chalking out a comprehensive roadmap, and in fast tracking the approval of pending agreements and memoranda of understanding.

The two leaders expressed satisfaction over the ongoing defence and security cooperation, and resolved to explore further collaboration in the areas of training, joint exercises and defence production.

Imran congratulated the UAE leadership for declaring 2019 as the year of tolerance. He noted that this was the best way to pay tribute to the vision and legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The two leaders reiterated their strong belief that only by espousing the principles of tolerance, inclusivity, non-interference and focusing on a people centric development agenda, could the region attain sustainable peace and stability.

They strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and expressed their resolve to work closely to root out this scourge. The crown prince recognised the efforts made and unparalleled sacrifices rendered by Pakistan to eliminate terrorism and extremism.

Prime Minister Imran thanked the UAE leadership and its people for their continued commitment to Pakistan’s socioeconomic development in the shape of Pakistan Assistance Programme. He thanked Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his support to eradicate polio from Pakistan.

Imran briefed the UAE leadership about his government’s people centric reform agenda, and the steps taken to promote transparency and accountability at all levels of the government.

To counter white collar crimes, including money laundering, the two leaders instructed the concerned authorities to expedite the finalisation of the Mutual Legal Assistance Agreement.

The prime minister briefed the crown prince on the efforts Pakistan was making to support and facilitate the Afghan-owned and Afghan-led reconciliation process.

He also appreciated the role UAE was playing by hosting reconciliation talks in Abu Dhabi. The two leaders agreed to work closely for lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan.

The visit underscored the strength and substance of the Pakistan-UAE special relationship, which is based on the spirit of mutual affection and deep trust, and is rooted in age-old civilisational, religious, cultural and commercial affinities.

The two leaders expressed their resolve that while building on this strong and proud legacy, they would continue to strive for progress, prosperity and stability of both the UAE and Pakistan.

The crown prince expressed his sincere appreciation for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him and his delegation.