President Asif Ali Zardari has underscored the importance of enhancing bilateral relations between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) across various sectors, including trade, economy, aviation, renewable energy, climate change, and human resource development, for the mutual benefit of both nations.
During a meeting with the Ambassador of UAE to Pakistan, Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi, at Aiwan-e-Sadr, President Zardari highlighted the significance of fostering stronger ties between the two countries. He emphasised the need to encourage Emirati businesses to invest in the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), thereby injecting innovative ideas and additional capital into the Pakistani economy.
Addressing environmental concerns, President Zardari informed the ambassador about Pakistan’s initiatives in investing in mangrove forests and trading carbon credits internationally. He proposed that Pakistan and the UAE explore mutual benefits in this area.
Furthermore, President Zardari discussed agricultural advancements, including projects aimed at canal lining to mitigate seepage and enhance agricultural productivity. He stressed the importance of collaboration between Pakistan and the UAE in sharing new agricultural technologies to address growing food security challenges exacerbated by climate change.
In the realm of aviation, President Zardari urged increased collaboration to facilitate the Pakistani diaspora in the UAE, advocating for the introduction of commercial flights utilising Airbus A380s.
Echoing President Zardari’s sentiments, Ambassador Al-Zaabi reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to Pakistan’s development and expressed the UAE’s readiness to further strengthen bilateral ties. He called for elevating the existing bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership, emphasising economic diplomacy as a key focus area.
Ambassador Al-Zaabi highlighted the UAE’s interest in investing in various sectors in Pakistan, including aviation, agriculture, renewable energy (particularly solar), education, and healthcare. He also mentioned the UAE’s recent commitment of $100 million to the “loss & damage” fund, aimed at assisting vulnerable countries in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change, offering Pakistan an opportunity to benefit from this initiative.
The meeting between President Zardari and Ambassador Al-Zaabi underscores the mutual desire of both countries to deepen cooperation across multiple domains, paving the way for enhanced collaboration and mutual prosperity.