Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi’s visited UAE met his UAE counterpart, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in Abu Dhabi on 17 December 2020. The two Foreign Ministers reviewed all aspects of bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and global issues. Foreign Minister Qureshi elaborated the worsening situation in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and the precarious security situation in South Asia.
He also outlined Pakistan’s consistent efforts to support peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan. Both Foreign Ministers agreed to enhance the existing strong bilateral ties, in particular in the areas of economy, trade and investment. Foreign Minister Qureshi assured his counterpart of active participation in the Expo 2020. He appreciated the UAE’s leadership for its consistent support Pakistan, especially during COVID-19 pandemic. Praising the hard work and dedication of Pakistani professionals and workers in the UAE, Foreign Minister Qureshi acknowledged their positive contribution towards progress and development of the UAE as well as Pakistan.
FO Islamabad said that this visit provided another opportunity to Pakistan and the UAE to reaffirm their commitment towards strengthening their ties, in particular in the areas of trade and investment. The two sides also shared views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, as well as to deepen their cooperation in the multilateral arena. It said the two sides also acknowledged Pakistani community’s positive contribution to the UAE’s success story. Accordingly, they agreed to consider taking appropriate steps to encourage people to people contacts between them.
The statement said the visit was a reflection of close and cordial relationship, which Pakistan and the UAE have enjoyed for decades. During the visit, the Foreign Minister called on Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and his UAE counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Shah Mahmood Qureshi paid homage at the tomb of founder of the UAE late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and offered prayers at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. He also visited Consulate General of Pakistan in Dubai and interacted with local and international media.