ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi and Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on Saturday reiterated the resolve to solidify the multifaceted bilateral relationship.

During a meeting at the Leaders Pavilion at the Dubai Expo 2020, the two leaders reaffirmed the resolve to strengthen the existing close fraternal relations between Pakistan and the UAE in diverse fields.

They reviewed prospects of growing bilateral relations on all fronts while discussing a number of regional and international issues of interest.

President Alvi said Pakistan and the UAE enjoyed close fraternal relations, rooted deep in common faith, shared history and cultural affinities.

He congratulated the vice president and prime minister of the UAE on the successful inauguration of Dubai Expo 2020. He lauded the tremendous efforts of the UAE government and Expo Management Team for organising the world’s most diverse and widely participated exposition, which will remain open for six months.

Alvi inaugurates Pakistan Pavilion at Dubai Expo

The president underlined that the Expo 2020 was a landmark event not just for the UAE but also for the whole region. He said the expo would offer a unique opportunity to the countries of the region and beyond to establish linkages and partnerships with multinational companies.

Dr Alvi briefed the UAE prime minister on the theme of Pakistan Pavilion, which mainly focuses on showcasing the unexplored and undiscovered treasures of Pakistan.

Felicitating Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid on the ongoing golden jubilee celebrations of the UAE, the president acknowledged the role of the Emirates’ visionary leadership that helped transform the UAE into a hub for regional trade, transport, logistics, technology and tourism.

Dr Alvi and Sheikh Maktoum exchanged views on issues of bilateral and regional interest, including the situation in Afghanistan.

The president apprised the UAE prime minister of the continued and blatant violations of fundamental human rights of the Kashmiri Muslims in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to forge closer and deeper cooperation with the UAE in all fields.

President Alvi expressed gratitude to the leadership and people of the UAE for hosting 1.6 million Pakistanis in their country. He said Pakistani expatriates in the UAE continued to play an important role to strengthen the bilateral bond and contributed significantly to the development of the two countries.

After meeting the UAE prime minister, President Alvi formally inaugurated the Pakistan Pavilion at Dubai Expo 2020.

Meanwhile, while addressing an event related to Roshan Apna Ghar initiative for expatriates, the president said Pakistan as the fifth most populated country of the world had set its targets high to attain development in various fields.

He said a prosperous Pakistan was emerging at the global arena and urged the overseas Pakistanis to benefit from the secure investment policies of the country.

President Alvi said not only resources but also the vision and right policies greatly contributed to the development of a nation.

He said he was hopeful that Pakistan would make giant strides in the world through its progressive policies. Pakistani nation had emerged as a resilient nation after overcoming big challenges, such as terrorism and recently the coronavirus pandemic, he added.

Commerce Adviser Abdul Razak Dawood said Pakistan’s economy was on the right track with encouraging economic indicators. He said that the export and agriculture sectors of the country were witnessing high growth.

He expressed the confidence that due to effective policies of the government, the sustainable development of Pakistan would continue for the benefit of its people.

Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan Dr Reza Baqir said in line with the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan, the central bank was facilitating the overseas Pakistanis with incentives such as Roshan Digital Accounts, which allow the capital to be repatriated.

He said banks were competing to facilitate the overseas Pakistanis on the Roshan Apna Ghar initiative and ensure their easy investment in the country.

Dr Baqir said Pakistan was one of the few countries in the world which had witnessed immense growth even during the challenge of pandemic.

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2021