ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) explored opportunities to increase investments in Pakistan and exchanged views on broadening and deepening trade and economic relations to unlock greater mutual prosperity during Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar's visit to Abu Dhabi, the Foreign Office said on Saturday.

The finance minister arrived in the UAE on Friday for an official visit.

Dar met Jassem Mohammed Bu Ataba Zaabi, Emirati Chairman of the Department of Finance Abu Dhabi, Secretary General of Abu Dhabi’s Supreme Council for Financial and Economic Affairs, Chairman of Etisalat (e&), and Vice Chairman of Abu Dhabi Holding Company (ADQ), in Dubai, as per the statement.

During the meeting, the two sides explored opportunities to increase UAE investments in Pakistan and exchanged views on broadening and deepening trade and economic relations to unlock “greater mutual prosperity.”

“Discussions also focused on Etisalat’s (e&) ongoing investment in Pakistan and its plans to expand its footprint through its flagship stake in the Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL),” added the statement.

“The two sides reaffirmed the directives from the leadership of Pakistan and the UAE to further strengthen economic and trade ties,” added the statement.

Both sides also discussed the “perspectives” on resolving the long-standing issues related to the PTCL operations and future growth.

Dar emphasized the need to promptly settle remaining issues and to collaborate closely to enhance bilateral economic relations, build on historic goodwill, and open new avenues for investment, trade, and joint ventures, said the statement.

Al Zaabi expressed full agreement and reaffirmed his strong commitment to advancing shared objectives, concluded the statement.

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Pakistan, UAE explore investment and trade ties during Dar visit