ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi underscored the need for further increasing the trade volume between Pakistan and United Arab Emirates.

He was talking to Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi who called on him Wednesday at the Prime Minister’s Office. The Prime Minister underscored the importance Pakistan accords to UAE with significant number of expat Pakistanis playing a vital role in development of UAE and serving as a bridge of brotherly relations.

The Prime Minister appreciated UAE’s development and humanitarian assistance provided to Pakistan, particularly in the far-flung areas. He stated that this cooperation is a manifestation of our strong bonds.

While expressing satisfaction over the increasing volume of trade between Pakistan and UAE, the Prime Minister stated that Pakistan offers good returns on investment in power, oil and gas, telecom and financial services sector.

The Prime Minister conveyed good wishes on behalf of the Government and people of Pakistan to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and the people of UAE. Ambassador of UAE thanked the Prime Minister and expressed UAE’s interest in investment in the oil & gas sector of Pakistan.

Later talking to Ambassador of Kazakhstan Barlybay Sadykov Premier Abbasi felicitated the newly appointed Kazakh Ambassador to Pakistan and hoped that he would contribute towards further strengthening the existing close ties between Kazakhstan with Pakistan.

Pakistan and Kazakhstan enjoy close, cordial relations marked by mutual trust and understanding. The Prime Minister emphasized further enhancing economic links between the two countries including trade and investment. He conveyed his good wishes for the Kazakh leadership as well as for progress and prosperity of the people of Kazakhstan.

The Ambassador conveyed the greetings of the Kazakh leadership to the Prime Minister and the importance Kazakhstan attaches to its relations with Pakistan. He emphasized the interest of his Government in developing trade and economic ties, including connectivity links and transit trade arrangements with Pakistan to the mutual benefit of the people of the two countries. He also briefed the Prime Minister on President Nursultan Nazarbayev’s strategy for Kazakhstan’s development through 2050.

The Prime Minister wished the newly appointed envoy a comfortable and pleasant stay in Pakistan and success in his future endeavour.