RAHIM YAR KHAN, 31st December, 2013 (WAM) -- President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, today met with Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, on the sidelines of his private visit to Pakistan.

H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President's Representative was also present on the occasion.

At the beginning of the meeting, Mr. Sharif welcomed Sheikh Khalifa and his accompanying delegation and wished him a pleasant stay in his second country.

Sheikh Khalifa also expressed his happiness to visit Pakistan and his meeting with Mian Nawaz Sharif, hailing the level of the existing relations and cooperation between the two friendly people.

Sheikh Khalifa said:" We are looking forward to further develop the fraternal relations between the U.A.E. and Pakistan and always strive hard to bring benefits to the people of two countries." On his part, Mian Nawaz Sharif underscored that Sheikh Khalifa's visit represents the strong relations and the bonds of love between the two friendly countries.

He also pointed out the excellent role being played by the U.A.E. in provision of aid to the people of Pakistan in the form of several projects aimed at improving the level of services in various provinces of Pakistan. He affirmed that Pakistani leadership and the people appreciate the U.A.E., led by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for this kid and noble gesture.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral relations and ways to bolster them for mutual benefit. They also exchanged views on a number of latest regional and international developments, in addition to other issues of mutual interest.

Among those who attended the meeting were members of the accompanying delegation of Sheikh Khalifa, a number of Sheikhs, senior officials and Mr. Essa Abdulla Albasha Al-Noaimi, UAE Ambassador to Pakistan.

Earlier, Sheikh Khalifa on his arrival at Rahim Yar Khan was received by Premier Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif along with a number of Pakistani officials in the province.

Clad in traditional dresses, two girls presented the dignitary bouquets to Sheikh Khalifa, the arena was decorated with the flags of two countries and welcoming banners.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2013.