ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s President, Dr. Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan have congratulated Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan on his re-election as the President of the United Arab Emirates.

Sheikh Khalifa was re-elected for a fourth term in the office by the Supreme Council of the Union.

“The President and the Prime Minister have lauded the visionary leadership of Sheikh Khalifa and his invaluable contribution to UAE’s progress and prosperity,” Pakistan Foreign Office said in a statement Thursday night.

They have also expressed the resolve to “further fortify the fraternal ties between Pakistan and the UAE and to take this vital partnership to a new level,” the foreign office said.

Sheikh Khalifa was first elected as the president of the UAE on November 3, 2004.

“The Supreme Council of the Union expressed its deep confidence in the wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa, and wished him good luck to continue the journey of development and prosperity thanks to his far-sighted wisdom and approach that enhances the pillars of the renaissance of the dear homeland and its achievements, and fulfills the aspirations of its generous people,” a statement posted on the UAE government’s website read.

Pakistan and the UAE enjoy close bilateral ties. Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE’s armed forces, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan, visited Pakistan earlier this year to boost bilateral cooperation.

According to official figures, more than 1.6 million Pakistani expatriates live and work in the UAE remitting more than $4.5 billion to the country every year.