According to UAE news agency WAM, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan told Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir on Sunday of his country’s “commitment to supporting all that achieves unity and stability” in Pakistan.
During a telephone call, the UAE leader assured the army chief.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Gen Aim Munir discussed the “enhancement of cooperation and joint work” between Abu Dhabi and Islamabad in “defence and military affairs, and ways to support and strengthen them to serve the mutual interests of both nations,” according to the UAE news agency.
In exchange, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed was acknowledged and praised, and the army head “extended his wishes for the UAE’s continued development, progress, and prosperity.”
The move comes as Pakistan faces political and economic issues as a result of an ongoing feud between the government and the rival Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, which has heightened since the incarceration of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
The Pakistani military has yet to publish a statement on the two presidents’ telephone conversation.
The UAE was one of the first nations Gen Munir visited after taking over as chief of army staff. Earlier this year, he travelled to Saudi Arabia first, then to the UAE.
Pakistan is also seeking the UAE’s help in obtaining the critical International Monetary Fund (IMF) tranche required to restart the Extended Fund Facility programme.
In March and April, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and China rushed to Pakistan’s aid with offers to pay a portion of the budget gap.
