Pakistan PM seeks to boost economic ties with Gulf nations, Malaysia in Eid diplomacy push

In this file photo, taken on April 1, 2024, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif speaks during an event in Upper Kohistan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. (Photo courtesy: PMO/File)

• Shehbaz Sharif emphasizes deeper trade ties in phone calls with leaders of UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Malaysia
• Leaders of the Muslim countries also discuss Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza and efforts to promote peace in Palestine

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif exchanged Eid greetings and discussed boosting economic and trade relations in phone calls with leaders of Gulf countries and Malaysia on Wednesday, inviting their leaders to visit Pakistan to further strengthen bilateral ties.
Pakistan’s engagement with most of these countries has remained pivotal in recent years, with successive governments in Islamabad aiming to deepen diplomatic and strategic ties while pursuing enhanced trade relationships with them to mitigate its prolonged economic crisis.
Facing financial challenges, Pakistan is actively seeking to get investment from these nations while also trying to secure external financial assistance from global entities like the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Speaking to United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the prime minister lauded the strong bonds and close cultural, religious and historical affiliation between the two countries.
“While expressing his gratitude for the warmth extended by the leadership of the UAE upon his assumption of office, the Prime Minister underscored that his government’s highest priority would be to transform the traditionally fraternal ties with the UAE into a mutually beneficial economic partnership between the two brotherly states,” said a statement released by the PM Office after the phone call.
The UAE leader also reiterated his country’s support to Pakistan and reaffirmed the shared desire of both sides to further strengthen these fraternal ties meaningfully.
Sharif also spoke with Prime Minister of Qatar Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani and King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, expressing satisfaction at the fraternal ties with the two countries.
He highlighted the need to enhance bilateral trade and investment and urged the two countries to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan.
Sharif highlighted the historically cordial ties between Pakistan and Kuwait after receiving a phone call from Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah and reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to further strengthen the bilateral relationship with a view to securing mutual benefit for the peoples of both countries.
He emphasized the need to enhance economic and trade ties between Pakistan and Kuwait and assured the Kuwaiti side that the successful and timely implementation of the agreements and memoranda of understanding signed by the two sides last year would be ensured.
The prime minister also invited a trade delegation from Malaysia during a conversation with his counterpart, Anwar Ibrahim, and asked him to undertake an official visit to Islamabad later this year.
Sharif informed Ibrahim the writings of Pakistan’s national poet, Dr. Muhammad Iqbal, were being “translated into Malaysian language and the translated works may be launched by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during his visit.”
Among other important issues, the leaders of the Muslim countries also discussed Israel’s war in Gaza and efforts to promote peace in Palestine.