International Conference “Forging Cordial Relations between Pakistan and UAE through mutual Cooperation for Peace & Security of the Region”

On 26th February 2019, Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad in collaboration with Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, Islamabad organized an International Conference “Forging Cordial Relations between Pakistan and UAE through mutual Cooperation for Peace & Security of the Region”.
The conference commenced with the opening remarks by Major General Muhammad Syed Khalid Amir Jaffery HI(M), (Retd) – President CGSS who welcomed the panelists and stated that prospects are bright and opportunities are vast to further strengthen UAE-Pakistan bilateral relations.
His Excellency Hamad Obaid Alzaabi, Ambassador of United Arab Emirates addressed the participants of the Conference and welcomed the participants and expressed that today we have gathered to broaden the horizon in various fields. Currently, Pakistan - UAE relations are at its highest point as there had been three high level visits in the past five months. I admire the efforts made by the Government of both the states for enhancement and revival of the relations between the two brotherly countries.
Mr. Zulfiqar Bukhari, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development expressed his views on “Pakistan and UAE: Key Players in Regional Peace and Economic Development”. He conveyed his gratitude to the brotherly Ambassador of United Arab Emirates. UAE has been a home of cricket for Pakistan and both countries are achieving milestones. Institutions of both counties are having deep cooperation and we are looking forward to the digital Dubai model to be implemented in Pakistan soon. Expo 2020 will enhance the cosmopolitanism of Dubai and we tend to provide our services to make this mega event a success.
Dr. Ebtesam al-Ketbi - President Emirates Policy Center, United Arab Emirates talked on Foreign Policy Initiatives of UAE and Contribution towards War on Terror. She stated that terrorism should not be linked with religion. Nowadays, the concept of extremism and terrorism is often related to Islam, which is not correct.
Ambassador Asif Durrani, Former Ambassador of Pakistan to UAE spoke on UAE - Pakistan Strategic Relationship and Way Forward. He stated that we aspire the corporate culture of UAE and looking forward to adopt it in our country. There is a dire need to curb money laundering activities in our countires.
Mr. Haroon Shareef, Minister Of State and Chairman Board Of Investment on Blueprints For Prosperity: An Overview of Trade and Economic Relations of UAE With Respect to CPEC and the Role of Pakistani Community in UAE’s Development. He stated that for shared prosperity, we have to start from bilateral agreements which will congeal into transactions. It is a good time to invest in Pakistan.
Mr. Mohammad Sulaiman Al Suwaidi – Manager Business Development Commercial Department, DP World, United Arab Emirates presented speech on Ease of Doing Business in UAE. He stated that necessary steps must be taken to enhance global trade and foreign direct investment in the country. Dubai has been a successful model for past 40 years which Pakistan can follow for economic prosperity.
Mr. Aamir Hashmi – President, Global Think Tank Network (GTTN), Islamabad shared his views on Economic Progress Achieved By UAE and Forthcoming Dubai Expo 2020. Great minds and innovations come together at this forum to showcase the latest in cutting edge developments. UAE, Pakistan also has vast potential of acting as a transit hub for business and commerce with regional economies.
Dr. Nazir Hussain, Director – School of Political Sciences and International Relations, Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad while expressing his views on UAE: Symbol of Religious Tolerance and Harmony said that peace begins from home and UAE has shown that this maxim stands true. It has opened up the door for the world to partake in a constructive and progressive stance of inculcating tolerance, harmony, and eventual peace.
Lieutenant General Omar Mahmood Hayat HI(M), Chairman, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Government of Pakistan shared views on Recognizing UAE’s Humanitarian Efforts for Pakistan. He stated that Pakistan is a disaster prone country in the world, either its natural or man-made. They have also helped us in rebuilding terrorism effected areas of the country. We need to create awareness and build capacity of our nation for testing times like natural disasters.
Barrister Mirza Shahzad Akbar – Federal Minister of State for Accountability, Government of Pakistan on UAE – A Beacon of Humanitarian Assistance Globally With Special Focus on Yemen, Egypt and Pakistan. He stated that UAE’s growth is phenomenal but it happened by putting priorities in the right order. We, the Muslim nations, should stand united as a group which has its own voice and value.
Mr. Ali Al Shamsi - International Fund for Houbara Conservation, United Arab Emirates presented speech on Breeding the Houbara Bustard in the United Arab Emirates to Revive Endangered Bird. He stated that Abu Dhabi’s programme to restore sustainable wild populations of the Houbara bustard has developed into one of the world’s most significant conservation projects. More than 2,000 captive-bred Asian Houbara of Pakistani origin have been released in natural habitats identified by IFHC's partners in Pakistan.
Ms. Zartaj Gul Wazir – Minister of State for Climate Change, Government of Pakistan on UAE’s Role in Preserving the Environment and Wildlife Focusing Masdar Projects around the World. She stated that we believe in prosper and peaceful Pakistan. People must come to Pakistan and see whatever is being portrayed about Pakistan is not true. We believe in humanity and we are a peaceful nation.
During the Conference, several documentaries were also screened highlighting UAE’s economic progress and wild life initiatives.
Approximately 500 people including diplomats, representatives of public and private sector attended the event.