Pakistan committed to forging closer cooperation with UAE: Qureshi

On sidelines of CFM, ministers highlight importance of strengthening OIC as a pivotal platform for Muslims

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Saturday reiterated that Pakistan is committed to forging closer cooperation with United Arab Emirates (UAE) in diverse fields.

During a meeting with the UAE Minister of State Reem Al Hashimi, on the sidelines of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Council (ICC) of Foreign Ministers' meeting in Niger, Qureshi said Pakistan and the UAE enjoy fraternal relations of religious and cultural harmony.

The ministers highlighted the importance of further strengthening OIC as a united and pivotal platform for the Muslims and exchanged views on bilateral cooperation on various issues.

Referring to Qureshi's statement at the 47th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM), the minister lauded Pakistan's initiative to propose an OIC resolution on tackling Islamophobia.

Qureshi meets Somali counterpart

On the sidelines of the CFM session, Qureshi met his Somali counterpart Ahmad Issa Oud to discuss bilateral relations and the promotion of economic cooperation.

Qureshi appreciated Pakistan's strong ties with Somalia and said, "Pakistan, being an Islamic brotherly country, attaches special importance to the further development of bilateral relations with Somalia."

Earlier, the foreign minister reiterated Pakistan's desire for peace in Afghanistan and dignified and honourable return of Afghan refugees to their homeland.

"Pakistan will continue to play its conciliatory role for peace in the neighbouring country," FM Qureshi said during his meeting with Afghan counterpart Mohammed Haneef Atmar on the sidelines of the 47th session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers’ meeting, happening in Niamey, Niger.