Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday held a telephone conversation with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, reaffirming their commitment to further strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the conversation was held in a warm and cordial atmosphere. The two leaders recalled their recent meetings in Islamabad and Rahim Yar Khan during the UAE president’s first official visit to Pakistan.

The prime minister thanked the UAE for its consistent and unwavering support to Pakistan during difficult times, describing it as a reflection of the historic and brotherly ties between the leadership and peoples of the two countries.

Both sides reiterated their resolve to expand cooperation across areas of mutual interest and agreed to remain in close contact.

Meanwhile, the UAE has, in principle, agreed to extend Pakistan’s $2 billion deposit for another two months.

According to confirmation by a senior official, the deposit has been retained for a short period at an interest rate of 6.5 per cent, with formal approval expected soon.