Abu Dhabi Crown Prince leaves for UAE after short visit to Pakistan

Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan arrived on a one-day visit in Islamabad after a gap of 12 years and met the Prime Minister Imran Khan. The crown prince was accorded warm welcome by Prime Minister at the Noor Khan Airbase.

Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, who last visited Pakistan in 2007, was guarded with a red carpet welcome and a 21-gun salute when he touched down at Nur Khan airbase around noon today amid much fanfare in the capital.

The Prime Minister himself drove the guest in a Mercedes to the PM House where he was given guard of honor before the meeting between the leaders took place.

During his one-to-one meeting with the Pakistani premier, bilateral relations and regional situation among other matters of mutual interest were discussed. The sides also held delegation level talks.

The crown prince was expected to make an announcement of UAE’s $3billion aid and investment package to help Pakistan overcome its balance of payment while a proposal to provide oil facility on deferred payment will also be discussed.

Much like Saudi Arabia, UAE announced that it will provide Pakistan with an aid package which will include $9billion in oil payments and a $3billion deposit in the State Bank of Pakistan. The Middle Eastern country will also reportedly announce investment in various fields in Pakistan.

UAE is Pakistan’s largest trading partner in the Middle East and a major source of investments. More than 1.6 million expatriate Pakistani currently reside in UAE who contribute around $4.5billion annually to its GDP.

Pakistan and Abu Dhabi are also likely to sign a deal the for investment of $1 billion by the emirate in setting up oil storages at Gwadar Port and laying a white oil pipeline during the crown prince’s visit.

This is the third interaction between the leadership of Pakistan and UAE in less than three months.