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Sunday May 05, 2024

PM Shehbaz expresses gratitude to UAE president for financial support

Premier “conveyed profound gratitude for His Highness’ firm support for the economic and financial stability of Pakistan”

By Web Desk
July 18, 2023
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (left) offers condolences to United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan after the death of president Sheikh Khalifa in Abu Dhabi on May 15, 2022. — UAE Ministry of Presidential Affairs
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (left) offers condolences to United Arab Emirates' President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan after the death of president Sheikh Khalifa in Abu Dhabi on May 15, 2022. — UAE Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday held a telephonic conversation with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and thanked him for depositing $1 billion with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

 “The Prime Minister conveyed profound gratitude for His Highness’ firm support for the economic and financial stability of Pakistan which certainly manifested His Highness deep affection and care for the welfare of the people of Pakistan,” read a statement issued by the PM Office.

Last week, UAE deposited $1 billion with the SBP as part of its financial commitment to help Pakistan secure International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout package.

The IMF last Wednesday approved a 9-month SBA for Pakistan for an amount of about $3 billion days after reaching a staff-level agreement with the country.

“Today, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a 9-month Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) for Pakistan for an amount of SDR2,250 million (about $3 billion, or 111 percent of quota) to support the authorities’ economic stabilization program,” the global lender said in a statement.

Recalling his successful visit to UAE in January, the official statement said prime minister reiterated the common resolve of leadership in both countries to translate the fraternal bonds into mutually rewarding economic ties.

He also conveyed gratitude to His Highness for kind invitation for COP28 and appreciated UAE’s role in combating climate change. PM Shehbaz also expressed satisfaction on the discussion about prospective solutions to climate change challenges held during COP28 President-designate visit to Pakistan on 6th July 2023.

“Both the leaders discussed further advancing economic, trade and investment ties and creation of greater opportunities for the Pakistani workforce in the UAE,” the statement added.

The two sides also exchanged views on a range of regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Pakistan and UAE have a history of close relationship characterised by mutual trust and understanding, close cooperation, and an abiding tradition of supporting each other.

The UAE is home to 1.7 million Pakistanis, contributing to the progress, prosperity and economic development of the two brotherly countries.