ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan appreciated the support of the UAE to Pakistan while addressing the convocation of a private university in Mianwali on Sunday, the UAE embassy said.

UAE’s Minister of Tolerance Sheikh Nahyan Mabarak Al Nahyan was also in attendance and addressed the gathering of graduates at NAMAL University in Punjab province. 

He spoke about the strong friendship, brotherhood, and cooperation between the two countries, with the convocation ceremony broadcasted on state-run Pakistan Television.

The people of UAE were proud to call Pakistan a brother and friend, he added.

“A fruitful meeting and positive and constructive talks” brought together Sheikh Nahyan and PM Khan together in Mianwali, UAE ambassador to Pakistan, Hamad Obaid Al-Zaabi tweeted.

“We look forward to an active and distinguished Pakistani participation in the World Expo 2020 in Dubai,” he added.

The UAE is Pakistan’s largest trading partner in the Middle East and a major source of investment. The Gulf country is also among Pakistan’s prime development partners in education, health and energy sectors and hosts more than 1.6 million Pakistani expats, who contribute around $4.5 billion annually in remittances to the country.

As chief guest, while addressing the convocation, PM Khan also said Saudi Arabia and China had been ardent supporters of Pakistan in the country’s time of need.