ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari underscored the importance of strengthening bilateral relations between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates across various sectors to benefit both nations. He shared these sentiments during a meeting with UAE Ambassador Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi in Islamabad today.
Highlighting the significance of collaboration in the aviation industry, President Zardari emphasized the need to enhance services for the Pakistani community in the UAE, including the introduction of commercial flights using Airbus A380s. He also encouraged Emirati businesses to invest in the Pakistan Stock Exchange to bring in fresh ideas and capital, thereby bolstering Pakistan’s economy.
Recognizing the shared concern for food security due to climate change, President Zardari stressed the importance of cooperation between Pakistan and the UAE in the agricultural sector, particularly in sharing new technologies.
Ambassador Al-Zaabi reiterated the UAE’s commitment to Pakistan’s development and expressed the desire to elevate the bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership. He mentioned the interest of major UAE companies in investing in various sectors in Pakistan, including aviation, agriculture, renewable energy, education, and healthcare.
President Zardari also stressed the need to enhance trade and investment relations with the United States during a meeting with US Ambassador Donald Blome. He urged American enterprises to invest in the Pakistan Stock Exchange and bring innovative business ideas to the country’s economy.
Acknowledging the longstanding relationship between Pakistan and the United States, President Zardari stressed the importance of further strengthening this partnership. He highlighted Pakistan’s priorities, including economic stability, security challenges, and the need to address climate change impacts.
Ambassador Blome expressed the readiness of the United States to collaborate with Pakistan in various fields such as trade, investment, climate change, renewable energy, agriculture, and security. He mentioned the completion of the Sindh Basic Education Program as part of US efforts to support Pakistan’s education sector.
In addition, Ambassador Blome extended congratulations to President Zardari on his second term in office.