UAE President, COAS mull ways to boost Pak-UAE defence ties

United Arab Emirates (UAE) President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan received Chief of Army Staff of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan General Syed Asim Munir and held detailed talks with him in Abu Dhabi.

At the beginning of the meeting, which was held at Qasr Al Shati Palace, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed congratulated General Asim Munir on his appointment as Pakistan's chief of army staff, wishing him luck in his new duties to serve his country and people.

For his part, General Asim Munir expressed his thanks and appreciation to Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed for congratulating him.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed cooperation relations and joint work between the UAE and Pakistan in defence and military affairs, as well as ways to strengthen them to serve the common interests of the two friendly countries.

According to WAM news agency, the meeting was attended by Sheikh Tahnoun Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Adviser; Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court; Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Adviser for Special Affairs at the Ministry of Presidential Court; Ali Mohammed Hammad Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for National Security; and Staff Lieutenant General Engineer Issa Saif Mohammed Al Mazrouei as Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces.

Earlier, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir held a meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman in Riyadh. During the meeting, the Saudi crown prince congratulated General Asim Munir for assuming charge of his office, last year. The meeting discussed bilateral ties, defence cooperation and other matters between the two Islamic States.

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With his UAE leg, General Asim Munir concluded his official visit to Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

The ten-day trip focused on military cooperation and saw General Munir meet senior leaders from both countries. This is Army Chief’s first trip since assuming command of Pakistan’s army.

The choice of Saudi Arabia for General Munir’s first international trip is in keeping with tradition set by previous commanders and highlights the importance of the Saudi-Pakistani bilateral relationship, particularly between the two nations’ armed forces.