ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday conveyed his good wishes to the government and people of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on its 47th National Day and said bilateral relationship between Pakistan and Gulf states has transformed into a strategic and economic cooperation.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Mr Khan wrote a letter to the UAE rulers and conveyed them felicitation on the occasion of their national day.

In the letter, the prime minister hailed relations between the two countries and said the ties were based on mutual support and cooperation and will further strengthen in future.

It was quite satisfactory that the two countries under the guidance of their leaderships had transformed their bilateral relations into a long-term partnership, PM Khan said.

Hailing the progress and prosperity achieved by the UAE, Mr Khan said development, prosperity and good governance in the UAE were exemplary in a short period of 47 years, adding that the progress of the UAE was an evidence of far-sightedness and vision of the Gulf states’ leaders.

During his recent visit to the UAE, PM Khan discussed with the UAE leadership the economic cooperation between the two countries.

Mr Khan and UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan agreed to transform Pakistan-UAE relations into a “long-term strategic economic partnership”. They also agreed to further strengthen their cooperation to deal with organised crimes, including drug trafficking, money laundering and human trafficking.

The two countries’ leaderships agreed to enhance defence and security cooperation and resolved to explore further collaboration in the areas of training, joint exercises and defence production.

The two sides strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and expressed their resolve to work closely to root out this scourge. The UAE recognised efforts and unparalleled sacrifices made by Pakistan to eliminate terrorism and extremism.

The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf government, which has completed its 100 days in power on Nov 26, has decided “resetting relations with key partners, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE”.

Since assuming office in August, PM Khan has visited the UAE twice.

Published in Dawn, December 3rd, 2018