Abu Dhabi Crown Prince, Pakistani PM Imran Khan discuss bilateral ties

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan in the UAE on Wednesday, where they held talks on bilateral issues, official news agency WAM reported.

The Pakistani Prime Minister arrived in the UAE as part of his first official overseas trip since he assumed office in August.

Prior to arriving in the UAE, Khan first visited Saudi Arabia.

In Abu Dhabi, the two leaders discussed the latest regional and international developments, and highlighted efforts to establish peace and stability while denouncing all forms of terrorism and extremism.

“The UAE is determined to maintain robust ties with all its friendly countries on the basis of mutual respect, trust and common understanding of each other’s interests,” said Sheikh Mohamed.

The Pakistani PM also stressed the need for collaborating with the UAE across all areas and for continuing to cultivate “constructive partnerships” between the two sides.

Mohamed bin Zayed holds talks with the Pakistani Prime Minister on regional and international issues of mutual interest as well as enhancing of bilateral ties. pic.twitter.com/zvOzrVkgTH

— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) September 19, 2018

Khan’s visit to the Saudi and the UAE comes even as the country is reportedly seeking financial help to avoid the likelihood of another bailout from the International Monetary Fund.

After performing the Umrah pilgrimage soon after reaching the kingdom, Khan met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and energy minister Khalid al-Falih, the Saudi Press Agency said.

“Anyone who comes to power in Pakistan will visit Saudi Arabia first,” Khan told Al-Arabiya television during his visit to the kingdom.

He emphasised that Pakistan “always stands by Saudi Arabia” and that “Saudi Arabia helped Pakistan when Pakistan needed help”.