ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Egypt agreed on Saturday to enhance their political, defense, cultural and economic relations, as Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar met with Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on the sidelines of a special Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) conference on Palestine, according to Pakistan’s foreign office.
In recent years, the two nations have strengthened bilateral ties through various initiatives, including the annual bilateral consultations focusing on cooperation in trade, investment and cultural exchanges.
In November 2022, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attended the COP27 climate summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, seeking climate compensation and debt relief following Pakistan’s devastating 2022 floods.
In their meeting, Dar and Abdelatty expressed satisfaction with the trajectory of both countries’ relations.
“They praised the enduring and multifaceted relationship between the two nations, which is founded on shared beliefs, values, and cultural connections,” the foreign office said. “They agreed to further strengthen their political, defense, cultural and economic ties, as well as enhance people-to-people interactions.”
Both officials also shared perspectives on regional and global issues of common concern, voicing deep alarm regarding ongoing Israeli violence in the West Bank and the situation in Gaza.
Dar acknowledged Egypt’s crucial role in providing humanitarian aid to Palestinians and its efforts to mediate a temporary ceasefire.
The two officials reaffirmed their opposition to the forced displacement of Palestinians, agreeing that a lasting resolution lies in the creation of a viable Palestinian state based on pre-June 1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
Dar also invited Abdelatty to visit Pakistan at mutually convenient dates.
He also also conferred with OIC Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha, discussing challenges facing the Muslim world and commending the OIC’s role in unifying the Ummah.
The deputy prime minister also met with Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Maliki, reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and advocating for a viable Palestinian state.
Pakistan and Egypt agree to strengthen ties in politics, defense and trade at OIC meeting
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Pakistan and Egypt agree to strengthen ties in politics, defense and trade at OIC meeting
- Pakistan’s deputy PM and Egyptian foreign minister discuss greater people-to-people interactions
- Ishaq Dar also holds meetings with the OIC secretary general and Palestinian foreign minister in Jeddah
Islamabad, UAE to sign ‘Pre-Immigration Clearance’ pact easing travel for Pakistani passengers
- UAE DG Customs Abdullah Bin Lahej Al Falasi meets Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to discuss simplifying immigration procedures
- Under the new system, immigration and relevant clearance of passengers will take place within Pakistan itself, says Pakistani interior ministry
ISLAMABAD: Islamabad and the UAE will sign a formal “Pre-Immigration Clearance” pact allowing Pakistani passengers traveling to the Gulf country to avoid lengthy procedures at airports, the Pakistani interior ministry said on Monday.
The ministry’s statement followed a meeting between Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and a UAE delegation led by its Director General Customs Ahmed Abdullah Bin Lahej Al Falasi. The two sides held detailed discussions on Pakistan-UAE ties, mutual cooperation and simplifying immigration processes for travelers, the interior ministry said.
“During the meeting, both sides agreed that a formal pact on ‘Pre-Immigration Clearance’ between Pakistan and the UAE would be signed,” the statement said. “The system will initially be launched on a pilot basis, with Karachi selected as the first location.”
Naqvi said that as per the under the new system, immigration and relevant clearance of passengers traveling to the UAE will take place in Pakistan. After its implementation, passengers arriving in the UAE will not be required to undergo lengthy immigration procedures and will be able to exit the airport directly as “domestic passengers,” the ministry said.
The minister said this initiative will make travel easier, save time and enhance the overall experience of passengers.
“The UAE delegation termed the move beneficial for the people of both countries and expressed readiness for cooperation,” the statement said.
The Pakistani interior ministry did not say when the pact would be signed. However, it said both sides decided that relevant authorities would continue coordination to finalize the administrative and technical framework of the pilot project.
Upon successful implementation, the system would be gradually expanded to more destinations, it said.
Pakistan has a similar arrangement with Saudi Arabia under the Kingdom’s Makkah Route Initiative. The scheme streamlines immigration processes by enabling Hajj pilgrims to complete official travel formalities at their departure airports.
This saves pilgrims several hours upon arrival in the Kingdom, as they can simply enter the country without having to go through immigration again.
