ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Wednesday praised the United Arab Emirates for successfully arranging Dubai Expo 2020 during a phone call with his counterpart in the Gulf state.

The expo began last year and became the first truly global event that was held in the Middle East since the emergence of the coronavirus pandemic.

Arranged in Dubai, the region's tourism, trade and business hub, it hoped to attract 25 million business and tourist visits to the exhibition built at a cost of about $6.8 billion.

Pakistan was also among more than 190 countries participating in the event that sought to display their culture and enhance trade and investment opportunities.

Among other areas of mutual interest, the Pakistani foreign minister mentioned the mega exhibition during his conversation with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

"Foreign Minister Qureshi congratulated the Government of the UAE on the successful organization of Dubai Expo 2020," said a statement released by the foreign office of Pakistan. "Recalling his visit to the Pakistan Pavilion at the Expo 2020, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah highly appreciated the impressive design and display of the Pavilion."

The two leaders also expressed satisfaction at the existing cooperation between them at multilateral forums.

"The two Ministers agreed to continue close collaboration in regional and global organizations, including the FATF [Financial Action Task Force]," the statement added.

Pakistan and the UAE have always cherished close relations that are rooted in their common faith and shared values.

Qureshi also expressed concern over recent aerial strikes on the UAE by Yemen-based Houthi rebels, reiterating that such attacks posed a grave threat to regional peace and should immediately be ceased.