By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: The Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir told his UAE counterpart on Monday that the security and stability of the United Arab Emirates were an integral part of Pakistan’s own security, the Pakistani military said.
Munir, who holds the additional title of Field Marshal, made the remarks during a meeting with Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the deputy ruler of Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s national security adviser, in the UAE capital. The two sides discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation across various sectors, particularly in economic collaboration, investment and security, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement. “They also exchanged views on regional developments and emphasised the importance of continued coordination to promote peace and stability in the region.”
Munir expressed “sincere appreciation and gratitude” to the UAE government for its longstanding investments and continued support to Pakistan’s economy and security over the decades, according to the military’s media wing. He noted that such support reflected the deep-rooted historical relations between the two “brotherly countries” and commended the constructive role of the UAE leadership in advancing economic and social development in Pakistan.
Munir reiterated Pakistan’s firm commitment to continuing joint efforts to “further strengthen this partnership in all fields, in a manner that serves the interests of both brotherly peoples and contributes to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region”, the ISPR said.
Pakistan and the UAE have long maintained close bilateral ties, with the Gulf state providing critical financial assistance to Islamabad in recent years as it navigates a macroeconomic crisis. Millions of Pakistanis live and work in the UAE, forming one of the largest expatriate communities in the country. Remittances from the UAE are among Pakistan’s top sources of foreign currency inflows, bolstering its external accounts.
Last week, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, lauding the Gulf country’s “consistent and unwavering support” to Pakistan. Last month, Munir met Sheikh Mohamed at Qasr Al Shati Palace, where the two reviewed bilateral cooperation between the countries. In January, Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari visited the UAE for an official trip, holding talks with senior UAE officials and business leaders on trade, investment and security cooperation.
The latest meeting comes as tensions between Washington and Tehran have intensified. The United States and Iran renewed negotiations earlier this month over Tehran’s nuclear programme, even as Washington has deployed additional warships, including a second aircraft carrier, to the Middle East amid efforts by mediators to prevent a broader conflict.
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