UAE and Pakistan: Partners in development

Pakistan's Ambassador to the UAE Moazzam Ahmad Khan is euphoric as he recalls the progress that has been made in relations between the two countries. While taking a holistic look at the fold of events in the last several months, Pakistan's top diplomat in the UAE says that "his country is witnessing a new phase of stability and transformation," as it moves from strength to strength.
The ambassador takes pride in the fact that the relations are moving forward at a robust pace, and with cordiality and warmth. He was all praise for the visionary leadership of the UAE, and dubbed it as Pakistan's fortune to have such an all-weather brotherly relationship between the two countries.
Ambassador Khan in an exclusive interview shared the inertia that has kept afloat the momentum of development, and pointed out that the leadership in Pakistan and the UAE have decided to further broaden and diversify the scope of cooperation, transforming the special relationship into a strategic partnership.
He said that during the last five months, there have been four high-level visits: two state-level official visits by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to the UAE, and the landmark visit of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to Pakistan. Apart from that, Prime Minister Imran Khan was specially invited by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai to speak at the Global Leadership Summit. He minced no words in saying that the visionary leadership of the UAE deeply values its relationship with Pakistan and its people. 
Ambassador Khan said that as a consequence to the high-level decisions, both sides are working on a number of investment projects worth billions of dollars, in the fields of petrochemicals, ports and shipping, construction, hospitality business and tourism, agriculture and renewable energy.
"Pakistan and the UAE are coming closer, as they lay out a blueprint of cooperation and development for future generations to come," he confided with a beaming smile of success.
He spelt out that cooperation in defence and related avenues is on the rise, and the recent visits of Pakistan's Defence Minister and the Minister for Defence Production, respectively, has buoyed many new possibilities.
To a question, Ambassador Moazzam Khan said that Prime Minister Imran Khan's quest for seeking "assistance from friends", rather than knocking on the doors of international lenders, has been very positively responded by the UAE leadership. "This underscores not only the cordiality of relations but also speaks of the love and affection the UAE leadership has for the people of Pakistan, and this love and affection is reciprocated in full measure," the envoy pointed out.
"We express our profound thanks to the brotherly leadership of UAE for their generous economic support to help Pakistan with its external account pressures. Pakistan is indebted to this timely support," he remarked.
Ambassador Khan said that Pakistan's relationship with the UAE is no more restricted to mere diplomacy, as it now compasses a strong multidimensional prism that is rewarding for both countries and has a roadmap for the future. 
He recalled that the UAE has always been very supportive not only in financing strategic projects but also becoming a part of Pakistan's development mosaic in many social milieus. The diplomat pointed out the special efforts of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed for the anti-polio initiative in Pakistan, which has saved lives of thousands of children, especially in the remote and desolate areas of Pakistan.
The envoy said that both the countries are working hands down on a number of projects ranging from education to building infrastructure, as well as facilitating employment opportunities for the people of Pakistan. "Creating job opportunities for our people as well as facilitating UAE investments in Pakistan remain our top priorities," he added. In this regard, he said a number of drafts have been exchanged and several agreements are in final stages. He especially noted the recent visit of Adviser to Prime Minister on Overseas Pakistanis Zulfiqar Bukhari, which has gone a long way in revisiting the state of labour laws and relevant legal facilitation.
Pakistan's Ambassador was quite excited to talk about Expo 2020, and observed that his country is eager to offer all possible cooperation for holding the mega event. He said that as far as Pakistan is concerned, it will try to project the "true potential" of Pakistan, rather than merely showcasing companies and trading individuals.
He said it is a tremendous opportunity for Pakistan to present its skills, talents and strengths before the world. He said his country is in the process of hiring contractors for the Pakistan pavilion, which will showcase Pakistan's tourism potential, trade possibilities, and initiatives in the sustainability domain. "It will be a departure approach from traditional format, and Pakistan at Expo 2020 plans to help the world understand the country's real strengths. It is all about a progressive Pakistan," he added.
Ambassador Khan once again praised the UAE for being a second home to more than 1.6 million Pakistanis and said that his responsibility is to ensure that they are all taken care of. He said that the embassy and the consulate plan to evolve policies that are socio-economic-centric for the people in the UAE. He said that they are making every effort to provide good quality and affordable education to more than 8,000 students in seven community schools, and plan to expand the network in years to come.
Talking about the amnesty scheme announced by the UAE, the ambassador pointed out that over 1,000 Pakistanis benefitted from it. "We made special arrangements and extended full support both in terms of financial and legal assistance to help them regularise their status in the UAE."
The top diplomat in the UAE also made a reference to the recent war-hysteria between India and Pakistan, and thanked the UAE leadership for making upfront efforts in defusing the situation, appreciating Pakistan's quest for peace and security in the region.
Moazzam Ahmed Khan always believes in the ability of community service, and says, "Sky is the limit" when it comes to promoting national interests. For him, nothing is impossible, as serving the nation is what makes it great. Khan is no less than a legend as he has demonstrated beyond any doubt that Pakistan has a soft face, and Pakistanis are next to none in terms of skilled manpower and talent. Khan says he sees Pakistan-UAE relations graduate to the next orbit of success, and rewrite new chapters of trust and confidence. "In the context of bilateral relations and cooperation, there isn't any room for a pause," he confidentially remarked.