My visit to strengthen UAE, Pakistan ties: FM

DUBAI, Apr 18 : Minister for Foreign Affairs Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Sunday said his visit to United Arab Emirates would strengthen existing bilateral ties of both the countries.
Speaking at a press conference here, he said that he would hold a meeting with the Foreign Minister of UAE (United Arab Emirates) on Monday.
He clarified that he had no meeting scheduled with the Foreign Minister of India Jaishankar.
He said a mega event would be organised by Pakistan in Sharjah in October this year to showcase the hidden treasures of Pakistan.
At the event, professionals among the Pakistani community in UAE would be invited, he said.
The event would highlight the role played by the Pakistani community in the progress and prosperity of UAE, he said adding, he would invite Prime Minister Imran Khan to the mega event.
Qureshi said Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates would complete their 50 years long friendship.
Both the countries were making an effort to organise different programmes at the completion of the 50 years of brotherly diplomatic relations, he informed.
He said that he visited the venue of expo 2020 and was impressed with the facilities offered there.
The events at expo 2020 would coincide with the National Day of the United Arab Emirates, he said.
He said the government wanted to give the right to vote to the overseas Pakistanis
and it was consulting with other political parties on the issue.
“We want that overseas Pakistanis should have a role in Pakistani politics and policy making.”
The foreign minister said both India and Pakistan would have to think about their bilateral ties.
Pakistan never evaded talks and wanted to live in peace with all its neighbours including India, he stressed.
The foreign minister said Pakistan was ready to talk with India if it took back its steps of August 5, adding, Pakistan could not ignore the Kashmir issue.