Pak, UAE relations at highest level: envoy

Zulfi tells Zaabi both countries have a key role to play in regional peace

ISLAMABAD: United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador Hamad Obaid Al Zaabi has said relations with Pakistan are at the highest level in history due to sincere efforts by both the governments during the previous five months.

Addressing an event here on Pak-UAE relations, the ambassador said, “Sincere relations exist between the UAE and Pakistan. Both the countries agree on mutual cooperation for regional peace and economic development.”

Special Adviser to the PM on Overseas Pakistanis Zulfikar Bukhari said, “The UAE and Pakistan have a key role to play in regional peace and stability. UAE is the home of cricket for Pakistan. Institutions of both the countries are determined for the formation of a digital Dubai model in Pakistan.”

He said Pakistan was ready to render its services for the success of Expo 2020.

Minister of State for Climate Change Zartaj Gul said, “Pakistan appreciates the efforts by the UAE for the protection of wildlife and the environment. Negative propaganda has been spread across the globe against Pakistan; however, it is working towards a stable and peaceful future.”

Adviser to the PM on Accountability Shehzad Akbar said, “The UAE has set its priorities in the right direction due to which much development has been achieved.”

He lauded the efforts of the UAE in resolving the conflict between Yemen and Saudi Arabia.

“Muslim countries in the light of their culture and trends must demonstrate unity towards each other,” he said.

Board of Investment Chairman Haroon Sharif said, “In the light of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and the role of the Pakistani community in the UAE, great trade opportunities exist between the two countries.”

Both countries agreed to cooperate on ease of doing business.

UAE Policy Centre President Dr Ibtesam Alkatibi shed detailed light on the efforts of the UAE in the war against terror.

She said, “Terrorism cannot be linked with any religion. Terrorism has been linked with Islam as part of a conspiracy as history tells us that extremism has no place in any religion.”

National Disaster Management Authority Chairman Lt General Umar Mehmood Hayat said, “The UAE, during all natural disasters, helped Pakistan whole-heartedly. Not only did the UAE play an effective role in the reinstatement of areas victimised by terrorism but also helped Pakistan in raising awareness regarding natural disasters.”

Measures taken to protect tailorbird from extinction were also discussed in the meeting. Tailorbird Protection Organisation representative Ali Shamsi said that with the UAE’s help, there has been an increase of about more than four million in the number of tailorbirds.