ISLAMABAD: United Arab Emirates (UAE) ambassador Hamad Obaid Al-Zaabi on Wednesday met Pakistani commerce minister Naveed Qamar to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation, with the latter calling for more frequent exchanges of trade delegations between the two nations.

Pakistan and the UAE have close fraternal relations and bilateral cooperation in a range of fields.

The UAE is also Pakistan’s largest trading partner in the Middle East and home to more than 1.6 million Pakistani nationals.

During the meeting in Islamabad the dignitaries discussed measures to promote bilateral trade and enhancing mutual cooperation in corporate sector.

“Speaking on the occasion, the Federal Minister said Pakistan’s relations with the UAE are built on strong foundations based on mutual love and respect,” a statement from the commerce ministry read.

“He [minister] said Pakistan values its ties with the UAE in various fields, as there is lot of potential in agriculture, health, readymade garments and solar sectors.”

“UAE Ambassador Hamad Obaid said Pakistani business community is playing important role in the economy and development of the UAE for years, however he is willing to enrich them through bilateral comprehensive agreements,” the statement said. 

Showing deep sympathy for the people of flood-hit areas, the ambassador assured full support from the UAE government.

The UAE started operating an air bridge to transport humanitarian aid on August 28 and has since then sent 41 relief flights to support Pakistan where almost 1,600 have died. The aid includes shelter materials and food and medicine parcels for those affected by unprecedented torrential rains and floods in the South Asian country.