ISLAMABAD: Pakistani minister for energy Hammad Azhar met the ambassador of the UAE to Pakistan, Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi, on Monday and welcomed the emirates' interest in signing a 'comprehensive' economic deal with Islamabad along the lines of a free trade agreement.
Pakistan–UAE ties date back to the UAE's formation in 1971, and have since evolved into wide-ranging co-operation. Pakistan was the first country to extend recognition of the UAE, which is a major donor of economic and financial assistance to Pakistan.
In recognition of the UAE's humanitarian support to Pakistan, multiple institutions, bridges, airports and hospitals in Pakistan are named after the UAE's founding father and first president, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, such as the Sheikh Zayed Bridge in Swat Valley and Sheikh Zayed Medical Complex in Lahore.
"Minister Hammad Azhar welcomed the interest of UAE government to reach a comprehensive economic agreement with Pakistan on the lines of FTA and ensured his full support for this positive development in the historic UAE-Pakistan bilateral relations," the Pakistan energy ministry said in a statement. "Such an agreement will not only pave the way for G2G (government to government) initiatives but also help create a conducive environment for the business community."
The two leaders discussed long-standing relations and reiterated the resolve to strengthen them.
"In this regard, the upcoming visit of Prime Minister of Pakistan to UAE is of utmost importance," the statement said, saying the ambassador expressed "high hopes" for the visit during which important memorandums of understanding and agreements are expected to be signed.