United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan told Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir of his country’s “commitment to supporting all that achieves unity and stability” in Pakistan, according to UAE news agency WAM.
During a telephone call, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and General Asim 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.”
In exchange, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed was acknowledged and praised, and the Army Chief “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 UAE was one of the first nations General Asim 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 assistance 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 came to Pakistan’s aid with offers to pay a portion of the budget gap.
