Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi Thursday called on United Arab Emirates Prime Minister and the ruler of Dubai Sheikh Muhammad Rashid bin Al-Maktoum in Dubai.

During the meeting, the Foreign Minister exchanges views on bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade, investment and the welfare of Pakistani diaspora and ways to strengthen and enhance the bilateral relations.

Earlier, the Foreign Minister landed in Dubai on a two-day visit to the United Arab Emirates. The visit came weeks after the UAE stopped issuing new visas to citizens of 13 mostly Muslim-majority countries including Pakistan, Turkey, Afghanistan, Iran, and Syria.

Though no reason for the ban on visas was given, at the time FO spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri had said that it could be related to the existing pandemic. However, latter the reports emerged suggesting the UAE has banned visas to Pakistan and other countries over the security issues. This move is significant in the wake of the fact the UAE has just normalized its relations with Israel and even warming up those relations through co-operation in different fields.

The Foreign Minister also conveyed warm regards of Prime Minister Pakistan Imran Khan and Pakistani leadership and extended their well-wishes to the leadership and people of the Gulf State.

https://twitter.com/SMQureshiPTI/status/1339543704575610883

Qureshi said Pakistan and the UAE enjoy brotherly relationships rooted firmly in shared history, common faith, values and mutual respect.

He said Pakistan wants to further strengthen these brotherly relations through enhanced trade and economic cooperation in multiple areas.

Qureshi said Pakistani diaspora in the UAE has been playing its role in the development of the UAE for many decades.

He said Pakistan Pavilion in next year’s Dubai World Expo 2021 would be a symbol of decades-old friendship between the two countries.

During the meeting, Pakistan and the UAE also agreed to enhance cooperation in the field of agriculture.

The Foreign Minister also highlighted difficulties being faced by the Pakistani diaspora in the UAE and emphasised on the need for quick resolution of these issues.