Pakistan and UAE are tested strategic partners: Foreign Minister Qureshi

“I am here on a two-day visit and have had good discussions on opportunities that exist for trade. I thanked the UAE leadership for the support that Pakistan has received in difficult times. We always stood shoulder-to-shoulder and are tested strategic partners and will remain so,” Qureshi said during a press briefing.

"I had a very good meeting with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Our discussions were focused on bilateral relations, on the opportunities that exist between Pakistan and the UAE in trade and investment," he said.

The minister said Pakistan is not just keen to be an active partner for the Expo 2020 taking place next year but also thanked the UAE for its support in pavilion.

Qureshi also met Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Friday evening where the two officials discussed bilateral issues and the evolving regional situation.

He said the Pakistani community in the UAE has contributed significantly to the UAE’s progress and it is appreciated.

Qureshi said he will also discuss the visa issuance problem faced by the Pakistani diaspora here during his two-day visit.

“I will be meeting with officials later today and will discuss the visa issue,” Pakistani foreign minister said during a media briefing in Abu Dhabi on Friday.

Qureshi praised the UAE’s help in setting up hospitals and other development works in the South Asian country.

The minister had visited and offered Friday prayer at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque earlier along with Pakistan Consul General in Dubai Ahmed Amjad Ali and other senior officials. He also paid his respects at the tomb of the UAE’s late founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He praised the role played by the late Sheikh Zayed for the peace among the nations.