UAE rolls over $2 billion loan to Pakistan
Pakistan and United Arab Emirates (UAE) officials agreed to enhance cooperation in diverse areas including trade, investment, infrastructure, energy, technology, tourism and manpower during Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi’s three-day visit (17-19 April 2021) to the Gulf state.
FM Qureshi in his meeting with his Emirati counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, at the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abu Dhabi on April 19 exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest including the South Asia situation and the Afghan peace process. Qureshi briefed his counterpart on the grave human rights situation in the Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan’s consistent efforts to support the ongoing peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan.
The two foreign ministers also discussed ways to provide fresh impetus to existing Pakistan – UAE ties. Qureshi appreciated the UAE’s progress and development over the last five decades.
FM Qureshi reiterated his invitation to Foreign Minister Abdullah to visit Pakistan at the earliest opportunity. Foreign Minister Abdullah graciously accepted the invitation. FM also held meetings with UAE’s Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner General of EXPO 2020 Dubai, Sheikh Nahyan Mabarak Al Nahyan.
This was Pakistani foreign minister’s second visit to the UAE in the past five months.
UAE rolls over $2 billion loan
UAE has rolled over the $2 billion loan by the Abu Dhabi Fund it had provided to Pakistan as part of the financial assistance package after the PTI came into power in August 2018. Pakistani foreign minister thanked the UAE for the support which he said reflected the warm and brotherly ties between the two countries.
Expo 2020 Dubai
FM Qureshi outlined his plans for showcasing the history as well as the future potential of Pakistan-UAE cooperation at Expo 2020 Dubai in October 2021. In this regard, they agreed to facilitate Ministerial level visits from both sides.
Pakistani diaspora in UAE
Foreign Minister Qureshi lauded the positive contribution of the Pakistani diaspora in the UAE towards the development and progress of both countries. He also urged UAE to resolve the issue of work visas for Pakistan
UAE is home to around 1.6 million Pakistanis – the second largest Pakistani community abroad.
FM Qureshi also met Pakistan Business Council, members of the Pakistani community, including investors and businessmen, in Dubai and interacted with local and international media in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. He also visited EXPO 2020 Dubai and the Pakistan Pavilion being set up to showcase the potential of Pakistan in the region’s biggest-ever exposition organized by the UAE.
Pakistan and the UAE enjoy close fraternal ties for almost five decades that are rooted firmly in common belief and shared values and culture.