Sheikh Abdullah praises strong relations between UAE and Pakistan

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, spoke of the strong ties between the UAE and Pakistan on Sunday.

Pakistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, is in the Emirates on an official visit.

During their meeting, the foreign ministers discussed ways to further strengthen co-operation in various fields.

Both discussed the challenges of the pandemic, economic and investment issues and joint initiatives between the two countries.

They also spoke of the latest developments in the region.

Sheikh Abdullah said more than 1.5 million Pakistanis live in the UAE and they contribute to the growth of the country.

He said the recent visa restrictions on Pakistanis was temporary to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

The people of both countries share strong and historic ties. Pakistan was among the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with the UAE and has maintained good relations since 1971.

"The close relations between the UAE and Pakistan have strengthened over the past decades,” said Sheikh Abdullah.

“It represents a unique case in Arab-Asian relations in the region, as political relations between the UAE and Pakistan are based on a long history of joint action, trust and respect."

Both countries work on the principles of tolerance, inclusiveness and an agenda to ensure peace and stability in the region.

"The UAE and Pakistan enjoy close relations and historical ties across political, economic, cultural and social domains, established on solid foundations of mutual friendship and respect,” said Sheikh Abdullah.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, also met Mr Qureshi on Thursday.

In January, Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan visited the UAE capital to meet Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed almost a year after the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces visited Pakistan.

During Mr Khan's visit, the UAE pledged Dh734 million ($200m) in development aid to the country, which was struggling economically at the time.

The UAE is also involved in efforts to eradicate polio in Pakistan by 2022.

Sheikh Mohammed meets Pakistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs - in pictures

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, meets Pakistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, on Thursday.Courtesy: Dubai Media Office
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, meets Pakistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, on Thursday. Seen with Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Ruler of Dubai; Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and chief executive of Emirates Airline and Group; Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs; and Reem Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Co-operation. Courtesy: Dubai Media Office
Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Ruler of Dubai; Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and chief executive of Emirates Airline and Group; Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs; and Hamad Al Zaabi, UAE Ambassador to Pakistan, attend a meeting between Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Pakistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shah Mahmood Qureshi. Courtesy: Dubai Media Office

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Transmission: Eight-speed auto

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Where to donate in the UAE

The Emirates Charity Portal

You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.

The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments

The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.

Al Noor Special Needs Centre

You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.

Beit Al Khair Society

Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.

Dar Al Ber Society

Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.

Dubai Cares

Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.

Emirates Airline Foundation

Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.

Emirates Red Crescent

On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.

Gulf for Good

Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.

Noor Dubai Foundation

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).

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ICC Awards for 2021

MEN

Cricketer of the Year – Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan)

T20 Cricketer of the Year – Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan)

ODI Cricketer of the Year – Babar Azam (Pakistan)

Test Cricketer of the Year – Joe Root (England)

WOMEN

Cricketer of the Year – Smriti Mandhana (India)

ODI Cricketer of the Year – Lizelle Lee (South Africa)

T20 Cricketer of the Year – Tammy Beaumont (England)

Specs

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