FM, UAE minister for enhancing bilateral ties in diverse areas

BRUSSELS: Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Almazrouel Suhail on the sidelines of the Nuclear Energy Summit in Brussels and reviewed the state and potential of bilateral relations.

In the meeting, they expressed their desire to further enhance the Pakistan-UAE relations, particularly trade and investment in renewable energy and transport sectors, a press statement issued on Friday said.

Foreign Minister Dar appreciated the role of the UAE in climate diplomacy and noted that COP28, hosted by the UAE, directed global attention towards nuclear energy as an option for clean energy.

He reiterated Pakistan’s readiness for sharing its experience and expertise in all fields of peaceful uses of nuclear technology, particularly in nuclear reactor operations, safety and establishment of regulatory infrastructure, the official news agency reported.

The foreign minister expressed confidence that conclusion of the Pakistan-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) will lead to further enhancement of bilateral trade and investment cooperation.

The UAE minister recalled his visits to Pakistan and longstanding family ties with Pakistan. He underscored that the UAE would be a partner in development for Pakistan.

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also held a meeting with Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing wherein the latter underlined that China would assist Pakistan in stabilising its financial situation.

Both sides agreed on the importance of the longstanding cooperation between Pakistan and China in civil nuclear technology.

Vice Premier Zhang and Foreign Minister Dar noted with appreciation the traditional ‘Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership’ and the iron-clad friendship as an exemplary and unique relationship.

Dar reiterated Pakistan’s longstanding support for the One-China policy. He underscored that there was an absolute consensus in Pakistan on relations with China and Pakistan’s strong commitment to the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

He expressed China’s readiness to upgrade CPEC and to further strengthen cooperation in diverse fields including industry, mining, and information technology.