On the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Muhammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, Prime Minister Imran Khan visited the UAE on 10 February 2019, to participate in the World Government Summit 2019 as a key note speaker. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Finance Minister Asad Umar, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Ahmed Chaudhry, Minister for Maritime Affairs Ali Haider Zaidi , Advisor on Commerce, Abdul Razzak Dawood, Advisor on Institutional Reform and Austerity Dr. Ishrat Hussain, Advisor on Climate Change, Malik Amin Aslam Khan and Advisor on Overseas Pakistanis Zulfiqar Abbas Bukhari.

 In addition to delivering the key note address at the Summit, the Prime Minister held  bilateral meetings separately with His Highness Sheikh Muhammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces and His Highness Sheikh Muhammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai. On the sidelines of the Summit the Prime Minister met with Prime Minister of Lebanon Saad Hariri and held discussions with Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund.

In his address at the Summit, Prime Minister Imran Khan lauded the UAE leadership for its vision in hosting a Summit on innovation and ideas, and for the progress the country had achieved over the years. He underscored that the key ingredients of a nation’s success included focus on promoting merit,  justice and welfare of the poor. The Prime Minister further underscored his vision for Pakistan, based on the principles pursued in the state of Medina by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him.) The Prime Minister also spoke about investment opportunities in Pakistan particularly the tourism sector, the government’s reform agenda and policies aimed at stabilizing the economy, mitigating climate change, encouraging private sector and promoting ease of business.

The meetings with the UAE leadership focused on a wide range of areas of mutual interest, including review of progress in transforming special historic ties between Pakistan and the UAE into a long term strategic economic partnership.

Recalling Crown Prince, His Highness Sheikh Muhammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s last visit to Pakistan in January this year, the Prime Minister thanked His Highness for UAE’s continued and generous socioeconomic support. The two leaders reiterated their mutual commitment to further expand and diversify their special bilateral relations. They also discussed regional issues of common concern. The Prime Minister apprised the Crown Prince of progress on peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan. It was decided to hold the next session of Pakistan-UAE Joint Ministerial Commission at the earliest opportunity.

During his meeting with His Highness Sheikh Muhammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Prime Minister thanked him for the invitation to attend the Summit as keynote speaker. He lauded the UAE for its focus on innovation, and appreciated His Highness’ vision in leveraging technology and knowledge economy for the improvement of the lives of the citizens. The World Government Summit had become an important platform for world leaders and experts for exchanging  ideas to improve governance.

Prime Minister briefed Sheikh Muhammad about Pakistan’s reform agenda, particularly with regard to facilitating both foreign and domestic investment in Pakistan. He also highlighted Pakistan’s immense tourism potential and urged the UAE investors to consider investing in Pakistan’s tourism and hospitality sectors.

During the meeting with Prime Minister Saad Hariri of Lebanon the two leaders expressed satisfaction over the cordial relations existing between Pakistan and Lebanon, and agreed to enhance high level exchanges. Prime Minister Imran Khan apprised his Lebanese counterpart about his vision, including inter alia introducing accountability, transparency and meritocracy at all levels of government.