Sheikh Abdullah made the remarks during a joint press conference with Pakistani Minister of Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani which was held at the end of the 10th UAE -Pakistan Joint Committee meetings in Abu Dhabi today.
Sheikh Abdullah said Pakistan features among UAE’s key trade partners with trade exchange between the two countries reaching US$ 2.6 billion in 2011.
"We aspire to further joint investments and to remove barriers hindering flow of trade and investments between the two countries," he said.
Sheikh Abdullah congratulated Pakistan on being elected a non-permanent UN Security Council member, representing the Asian countries’ group for a two-year term. He added that UAE spared no effort in supporting Pakistan’s election for this important seat.
Sheikh Abdullah praised the "historic, deep-rooted ties of fraternity and cooperation between the UAE and Pakistan." He said the 10th joint committee meetings reflected the keenness and interest of the leadership in both countries to enhance these ties.
The committee discussed potentials for signing a Free Trade Agreement between the GCC countries and Pakistan, as well as means to boost cooperation in the areas of economy, trade, customs, banking, telecommunications, civil aviation and humanitarian aid.
The two sides also explored opportunities for cooperation in renewable energy research and investment. Pakistani companies were urged to use Masdar City as a base for their Middle East operations.
Sheikh Abdullah offered, on behalf of Arab foreign ministers, thanks to Pakistan for its firm stand in support of the Arab initiative on Syria.
He also thanked heads and members of joint committee for the efforts made to guarantee success for their 10th meeting.
For her part, the Pakistani Minister of Foreign Affairs thanked UAE for hosting the meetings. She lauded UAE’s support to Pakistan in times of difficulties and referred to the humanitarian assistance offered during the floods and earthquakes which hit Pakistan recently.
"Relations between the UAE and Pakistan witnessed a tremendous progress during the past few years. The government and people of Pakistan appreciate UAE’s efforts in supporting infrastructure developments in Pakistan," she added.
Earlier, Sheikh Abdullah and Hina Rabbani co-chaired the10th UAE -Pakistan Joint Committee meetings which concluded in Abu Dhabi today and signed minutes of the meetings.
