Bahawalpur, Pakistan, Jan 19th, 2007 (WAM)---Sheikh Hamdan binRashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Deputy Ruler and Minister of Financeand Industry inaugurated today Phase-2 of the Sheikh Rashidbin Saeed Al Maktoum Airport extension in Bahawalpur city, Punjab,Pakistan.

Accompanied by Pakistan's Defense Minister Rao Sikandar Iqbal,Sheikh Hamdan toured the arrivals and departure halls, new offices,logistic, engineering and security support centers as well ascargo areas and passenger and cargo aircraft-parking positions.

The airport extension project is being supervised byDubai Department of Civil Aviation in accordance with instructionsfrom Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The recent extension to the airport is set to streamline aircargo operations and boost agricultural exports form across Punjabprovince.

"The remarkable level of relations between the UAE and Pakistansets a good model of cooperation and friendship for theinternational community", stressed Sheikh Hamdan.

"This is due to the coordination by President H.H. Sheikh Khalifabin Zayed Al Nahyan, H.H Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai and PresidentPerevez Musharaf who are keen on developing relations in thebest interest of their two countries."