Pakistan, UAE sign five accords of cooperation in railway, mining, other sectors

Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad today and reaffirmed his country's steadfast support for Pakistan's economic development and prosperity. This was the first official visit of His Highness to Pakistan, in his capacity as Crown Prince. 

The Prime Minister warmly welcomed the Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince while reaffirming Pakistan's resolve to further strengthen its historic and fraternal bonds between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates. One on one meeting was followed by the delegation level talks. Recalling his most productive meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi earlier this month, the Prime Minister said it was a matter of huge satisfaction that the two countries are now working more closely to transform their excellent political ties into a mutually beneficial economic partnership. The Prime Minister told that during his recent visit to Uzbekistan the project of Uzbekistan -Afghanistan-Pakistan Railway Line was discussed and Uzbekistan showed keen interest in the project. He further said the project will benefit the ports of Gwadar and Abu Dhabi and would prove to be a game changer for the whole region.

The Prime Minister lauded UAE's consistent and strong support for Pakistan in various fields, including at difficult times. He deeply appreciated the keen interest shown by the UAE in expanding its investment portfolio in Pakistan and remarked that the recent successful investment initiatives between various Pakistani entities and Abu Dhabi Ports are a shining example of this robust and ever-expanding cooperation.   

Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed, who was accompanied by a delegation comprising senior officials and business leaders, thanked the Prime Minister. On this occasion, both leaders also witnessed the exchange of several Memoranda of Understanding and agreements between the two sides. The MoUs and agreements were signed in the fields of Banking, Mining, Infrastructure development and Railways. 
 Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates on Thursday signed five accords to boost bilateral cooperation in different fields including banking, railways, mining and infrastructural investment. The documents were signed during the first official visit of Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Pakistan, at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The crown prince and the prime minister witnessed the ceremony as the officials from both sides exchanged the pre-signed documents of agreements and Memorandums of Understanding for cooperation in various fields. Federal cabinet members and Chief of the Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir and members of the UAE delegation were also present. 

Both countries signed an agreement to promote bilateral cooperation in the field of banking. Secretary Finance Imdadullah Bosal and CEO & MD of IHC Syed Basar Shueb exchanged the documents. The two sides also signed another agreement to boost cooperation in the field of mining.

The CEO of Pakistan Railways Amir Ali Baloch and CEO Etihad Rail Shadi Malik exchanged the documents for two MOUs for cooperation in the field of railways. Similarly, Secretary Board of Investment Nadeem Chaudhary and CEO AD Ports Capt. Muhammad Juma Al Shamisi exchanged the documents for an MoU in the field of infrastructural investment.

Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived to a warm welcome in Islamabad on Thursday, with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and First Lady Aseefa Bhutto were present at the airport to welcome the distinguished guest amid rain.  PM Shehbaz Sharif held an umbrella over his head in order to protect the royal guest from the UAE. The Crown Prince tried to take the umbrella in his hands but the prime minister declined saying “You are out guest.”

Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Thursday was given a guard of honour as he arrived at the PM House to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. On his arrival at the venue of the formal welcome reception, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the crown prince. 

The national anthems of Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates were played as the guest stood at the salute dias along with Prime Minister Shehbaz. The smartly-turned out contingents of the armed forces presented a guard of honour which the crown prince reviewed.

Later, the Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Prime Minister Shehbaz introduced their respective delegations to each other before heading for the meeting. Earlier, as the crown prince arrived here on his first official visit to Pakistan, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif along with cabinet members and senior diplomatic and government officials received him at Nur Khan Airbase. As the motorcade of the crown prince made its way to the PM House, the artists, clad in cultural dresses performed the folk dances. 

The crown prince is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including ministers and senior officials, as well as prominent business leaders. During the visit, the crown prince will engage in wide-ranging interactions with the leadership of Pakistan. Both sides will sign several agreements and Memorandums of Understanding to bolster existing robust framework for long-term collaboration in multifaceted sectors.