UAE, Pakistan discuss delivery of food items as Middle East conflict drags on

United Arab Emirates Consul General Bakheet Ateeq Alremaithi met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and discussed delivery of food items to the Gulf state amid an ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the UAE consulate in Karachi said on Friday.

The meeting came amid widespread supply disruptions in the region due to ongoing United States and Israel strikes on Iran, Tehran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, and attacks on US interests in Gulf countries.

Earlier this month, PM Shehbaz directed Pakistani officials to devise a plan to export surplus food and commodities to brotherly countries in the Middle East in view of the evolving regional situation.

During the meeting, PM Shehbaz and the UAE consul general discussed the current regional situation and mutual cooperation between the two countries.

“The prime minister offered full cooperation to the UAE in view of the situation in the region,” the UAE consulate said in a statement. “Special attention was paid to the delivery of food items, including vegetables, fruits, meat and other essential goods.”

Officials from the commerce ministry later met with the Emirati consul general and assured him of all possible assistance, the statement added.

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Separately, the consul general met with representatives of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, Pakistani airlines, and officials of Emirates Airlines and FlyDubai.

“Emirates Airlines is operating 53 flights weekly between Pakistan and the UAE, with 15 tons of goods transported on each flight,” the consulate said.

“Emirates Airlines can also operate special flights if needed to facilitate the movement of goods for commercial and humanitarian needs.”