ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in the United Arab Emirates on Friday on an official visit following his participation in the World Economic Forum in Davos, the country’s foreign ministry said.

Pakistan and the UAE maintain close political and economic ties, with Abu Dhabi providing critical financial support to Islamabad in recent years through deposits, loans and investment commitments as Pakistan navigates a fragile economic recovery.

“During his stay, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister will hold official meetings, including with the management of Etisalat,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.

The planned meeting with Etisalat comes against the backdrop of a long-running dispute over the privatization of Pakistan Telecommunication Company Ltd. (PTCL).

The UAE-based telecom group has withheld a final payment of about $800 million linked to its 2005 acquisition of a 26 percent stake in PTCL, citing delays in the transfer of properties included in the deal, a position disputed by Pakistan.

The issue has resurfaced in recent years as Pakistan seeks to revive investor confidence, advance privatization plans and stabilize its finances under an International Monetary Fund-supported program.

The foreign ministry said Dar will also hold meetings with other UAE officials during his visit.