Pakistan, UAE to expand bilateral ties in oil, gas
By Muhammad Ali Malik

ISLAMABAD—Ambassador of United Arab Emirates, Ali Mohammad Al-Shamsi called on Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources, Ahsan Ullah Khan here on Monday and discussed matters pertaining to enhancing existing level of cooperation in economic, oil and gas fields between the two brotherly countries.
The Ambassador felicitated the Minister on assuming the portfolio of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources and hoped that brotherly relations between the two countries would further grow and strengthen during his tenure.
He reiterated his leadership’s unqualified support to the economic policies of President Musharraf and his government.
The Minister informed the envoy about the initiatives being taken by the Government of Pakistan for developing the petroleum sector in accordance with international best practices in order to meet its rowing energy need for rapid socio-economic progress.
He emphasized that there exists an immense potential for promoting thePak-UAE cooperation in the oil and gas sector for mutual advantage.
The Minister particularly mentioned the recent signing of Implementation Agreement between the two countries for setting up US $ 5 billion oil refinery in Balochistan which would prove to be a mile-stone in Pak-UAE historic relation and a precursor to petro-chemical projects as well.
The Minister stated that the caretaker government will ensure continuity of existing policies and re-enforcement of efforts towards completion of ongoing projects.
He said the government would welcome the UAE investors to participate in the upcoming oil and gas development activities as well as any other sectors of their interest with a view to foster the existing relationship of fraternity between the people of two brotherly countries.
The Minister also highlighted that the present government will ensure smooth transition through free and fair elections in the country. Secretary Petroleum, Farrakh Qayyum was also present during the meeting.