Pakistan, UAE discuss prospects of advancing bilateral cooperation

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif briefly visits Abu Dhabi.
Meets UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Holds extensive consultations over range of bilateral, regional and international issues.
ABU DHABI: In a meeting with United Arab Emirates Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held extensive consultations over the prospects of propelling cooperation and a range of bilateral, regional and international issues.

The premier met the crown prince in Abu Dhabi during his brief stay in the state after concluding his three-day visit to Saudi Arabia.
PM Shehbaz Sharif had a warm welcome at Abu Dhabi by the crown prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces ahead of their meeting at Royal Palace, Qasr-e Al-Shatie.

Saudi Arabia agrees to discuss extending $3bn loan term
Meanwhile, before going to the UAE, PM Shehbaz Sharif had his maiden official visit to Saudi Arabia at the invitation of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman.

In a meeting with Prince Salman, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia reaffirmed their resolve to consolidate security and stability, renounce violence, extremism and terrorism, support the unity and independence of the countries of the region and their territorial integrity, as well as to give priority to political solutions that bring prosperity and progress to the region and its people.

Saudi Arabia affirmed its continuous support to Pakistan and its economy, including the discussion of augmenting the three billion dollars deposit with the central bank through term extension or otherwise, and exploring options to further enhance the financing of petroleum products and supporting the economic structural reforms for the benefit of Pakistan and its people.
“Pakistan greatly appreciates the continued strong support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan,” the statement said.

The prime minister, along with a delegation, visited Riyadh at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman.

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Communications Minister Maulana Asad Mahmood, Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Narcotics Control Minister Shahzain Bugti, MNAs Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and Mohsin Dawar, among others, comprised the delegation accompanying the PM.