Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday (Nov 27) signed the Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in many sectors including energy and food security. According to a post by Pakistan Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar's office, these MoUs will unlock multi-billion dollars of investment from the UAE into Pakistan and will help realise various initiatives envisioned under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).

"Prime Minister termed the signing of MoUs as a historic event that will usher in a new era of Pak-UAE economic partnership," the post said. The signing of the MoUs comes as Pakistan's economy has been reeling under pressure for the last few years, and the country is battling an acute balance of payments crisis and falling foreign exchange reserves.&nbsp;

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Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar today held a bilateral meeting with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi. Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M) was also present at the occasion. 
 
The… <a href="https://t.co/y5RGQNE5jz">pic.twitter.com/y5RGQNE5jz</a>
— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) <a href="https://twitter.com/PakPMO/status/1729179934730391607?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
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On Monday, PM Kakar held a bilateral meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. "The leaders underlined that Pakistan and the UAE have historic and deep-rooted fraternal ties which have stood the test of time. They reaffirmed the resolve to further strengthen bilateral strategic cooperation and dialogue between Pakistan and the UAE," the PMO post on X added.

During the meeting, regional and global developments were also discussed with particular reference to the deteriorating human rights and humanitarian situation in Palestine.&nbsp;

PM Kakar expressed Islamabad's support for a just and durable solution to the Palestinian question anchored in international law and in line with relevant United Nations and OIC resolutions.

He also reiterated the country's full support for the upcoming COP28 in the UAE, underlining its importance as an opportunity for meaningful progress towards effective and result-oriented global actions in key areas to mitigate climate impact including the establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund.

Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday (Nov 27) signed the Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in many sectors including energy and food security. According to a post by Pakistan Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar's office, these MoUs will unlock multi-billion dollars of investment from the UAE into Pakistan and will help realise various initiatives envisioned under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).

Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday (Nov 27) signed the Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in many sectors including energy and food security. According to a post by Pakistan Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar's office, these MoUs will unlock multi-billion dollars of investment from the UAE into Pakistan and will help realise various initiatives envisioned under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). "Prime Minister termed the signing of MoUs as a historic event that will usher in a new era of Pak-UAE economic partnership," the post said. The signing of the MoUs comes as Pakistan's economy has been reeling under pressure for the last few years, and the country is battling an acute balance of payments crisis and falling foreign exchange reserves. Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar today held a bilateral meeting with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi. Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M) was also present at the occasion. The… pic.twitter.com/y5RGQNE5jz — Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) November 27, 2023 × On Monday, PM Kakar held a bilateral meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. "The leaders underlined that Pakistan and the UAE have historic and deep-rooted fraternal ties which have stood the test of time. They reaffirmed the resolve to further strengthen bilateral strategic cooperation and dialogue between Pakistan and the UAE," the PMO post on X added. During the meeting, regional and global developments were also discussed with particular reference to the deteriorating human rights and humanitarian situation in Palestine. PM Kakar expressed Islamabad's support for a just and durable solution to the Palestinian question anchored in international law and in line with relevant United Nations and OIC resolutions. He also reiterated the country's full support for the upcoming COP28 in the UAE, underlining its importance as an opportunity for meaningful progress towards effective and result-oriented global actions in key areas to mitigate climate impact including the establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund.

Pakistan, UAE sign MoUs for investments in energy, food security, other sectors

The Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his counterparts from Israel, the United States, and the UAE have agreed to create a forum for economic cooperation between the countries.

During the quadrilateral meeting, possibilities for joint infrastructure projects in the fields of transportation, technology, maritime security, economics, and trade were discussed.

As part of the virtual meeting on Monday, Jaishankar, currently in Israel on a five-day visit, was accompanied by his Israeli counterpart, Yair Lapid.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/abraham-accords-dividend-india-us-uae-israel-foreign-ministers-to-hold-meeting-421701">Abraham Accords dividend: India, US, UAE &amp; Israel foreign ministers to hold meeting</a>

Meanwhile, Antony Blinken, the United States Secretary of State, and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister, participated virtually, as the four leaders exchanged views on regional issues of concern.

"The ministers decided to establish an international forum for economic cooperation," said a statement issued by the Israeli Foreign Ministry after the meeting.

According to the statement, each minister will appoint a senior professional to a joint working group that will formulate options for cooperation in the areas identified by them.

The statement added that the ministers intend to hold an in-person meeting in the coming months at Expo 2020 in Dubai.

Watch |&nbsp;Foreign minister of the 4 nations meet virtually

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"I think the word we're looking for here is synergy because this is what we're going to try and create starting with this meeting. Synergy that will help us work together on infrastructure, digital infrastructure, transport, maritime security and other things that preoccupy us all," said the Israeli Foreign Minister, who initiated the meeting during his visit to Washington, said at the start of the meeting Monday evening.

"The key to success is how quickly can we move from 'government-to-government' to 'business-to-business'," Lapid said. "How quickly can we turn this into a working process that will put boots on the ground, changing infrastructure around the world."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-israel-agree-to-start-fta-negotiation-vaccine-certificate-recognition-421779">India, Israel agree to start FTA negotiation, vaccine certificate recognition</a>

Jaishankar called the meeting "fruitful," saying they discussed how to work together more closely on global issues and economic growth.&nbsp;"Agreed on expeditious follow-up," he said in a tweet.

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A fruitful first meeting with Israeli APM and FM <a href="https://twitter.com/yairlapid?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@YairLapid</a>, UAE FM <a href="https://twitter.com/ABZayed?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ABZayed</a> and US Secretary of State <a href="https://twitter.com/SecBlinken?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecBlinken</a> this evening. 
 
Discussed working together more closely on economic growth and global issues. Agreed on expeditious follow-up. <a href="https://t.co/kVgFM0r6hs">pic.twitter.com/kVgFM0r6hs</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1450199506696355841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"I think it is very clear that on the big issues of our times we all think very similarly and what would be helpful would be if we could agree on some practical things to work upon," he said.

Meanwhile, an article in the Jerusalem Post newspaper noted the economic and defence industry advantages of the new ties and the potential to synergize the network of ties between Washington, Jerusalem, Abu Dhabi, and New Delhi.

Watch |&nbsp;WION tracks Jaishankar's Israel visit, economic growth and global issues on top agenda

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"That means that the whole can be more than the sum of its parts," it said.

Citing the growing power of near-peer rivals such as Russia and China, as well as regional states that oppose US policy, such as Iran and Turkey, the article said "That may be where the US-UAE-Israel-India connection comes together most of all, in presenting a moderate alternative to the aggressive extremist and authoritarian countries."

(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his counterparts from Israel, the United States, and the UAE have agreed to create a forum for economic cooperation between the countries.

The Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his counterparts from Israel, the United States, and the UAE have agreed to create a forum for economic cooperation between the countries. During the quadrilateral meeting, possibilities for joint infrastructure projects in the fields of transportation, technology, maritime security, economics, and trade were discussed. As part of the virtual meeting on Monday, Jaishankar, currently in Israel on a five-day visit, was accompanied by his Israeli counterpart, Yair Lapid. Also Read: Abraham Accords dividend: India, US, UAE & Israel foreign ministers to hold meeting Meanwhile, Antony Blinken, the United States Secretary of State, and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister, participated virtually, as the four leaders exchanged views on regional issues of concern. "The ministers decided to establish an international forum for economic cooperation," said a statement issued by the Israeli Foreign Ministry after the meeting. According to the statement, each minister will appoint a senior professional to a joint working group that will formulate options for cooperation in the areas identified by them. The statement added that the ministers intend to hold an in-person meeting in the coming months at Expo 2020 in Dubai. Watch | Foreign minister of the 4 nations meet virtually "I think the word we're looking for here is synergy because this is what we're going to try and create starting with this meeting. Synergy that will help us work together on infrastructure, digital infrastructure, transport, maritime security and other things that preoccupy us all," said the Israeli Foreign Minister, who initiated the meeting during his visit to Washington, said at the start of the meeting Monday evening. "The key to success is how quickly can we move from 'government-to-government' to 'business-to-business'," Lapid said. "How quickly can we turn this into a working process that will put boots on the ground, changing infrastructure around the world." Also read | India, Israel agree to start FTA negotiation, vaccine certificate recognition Jaishankar called the meeting "fruitful," saying they discussed how to work together more closely on global issues and economic growth. "Agreed on expeditious follow-up," he said in a tweet. A fruitful first meeting with Israeli APM and FM @YairLapid, UAE FM @ABZayed and US Secretary of State @SecBlinken this evening. Discussed working together more closely on economic growth and global issues. Agreed on expeditious follow-up. pic.twitter.com/kVgFM0r6hs — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 18, 2021 × "I think it is very clear that on the big issues of our times we all think very similarly and what would be helpful would be if we could agree on some practical things to work upon," he said. Meanwhile, an article in the Jerusalem Post newspaper noted the economic and defence industry advantages of the new ties and the potential to synergize the network of ties between Washington, Jerusalem, Abu Dhabi, and New Delhi. Watch | WION tracks Jaishankar's Israel visit, economic growth and global issues on top agenda "That means that the whole can be more than the sum of its parts," it said. Citing the growing power of near-peer rivals such as Russia and China, as well as regional states that oppose US policy, such as Iran and Turkey, the article said "That may be where the US-UAE-Israel-India connection comes together most of all, in presenting a moderate alternative to the aggressive extremist and authoritarian countries." (With inputs from agencies)

Virtual quadrilateral meet: India, Israel, US and UAE agree to establish joint economic forum

S Jaishankar on his 2 days visit to Dubai in his visit he met with his counterpart sheikh abdullah bin zayed al nahyan . Two leaders took the great collaboration between the 2 nations forward, they held discussion on regional as well as International issues.

Indian foreign minister S Jaishankar visit to Gulf nations

United Arab Emirates (UAE) Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar here on Monday and agreed to maintain "high-level exchanges" between the two countries.

"EAM S Jaishankar welcomes UAE Foreign Minister HH AB Zayed ahead of the delegation-level talks. In recent years, our age-old relationship has been nurtured to take it to a higher trajectory on the foundation of frequent high-level exchanges," the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson wrote on Twitter.

The visiting UAE Foreign Minister arrived here on a three-day bilateral visit to the country on Sunday evening.

On Tuesday, the UAE Foreign Minister is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and participate in a business roundtable interaction with CEOs of Indian companies.

The visit is aimed at providing the two sides with an opportunity to explore new areas of cooperation to further strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

The UAE is India's third-largest trade partner and fourth largest energy supplier. It is also the first country to participate in India's 'Strategic Petroleum Reserves'&nbsp;programme.

Modi had visited the UAE in August 2015 during which the two countries decided to elevate their relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

The Prime Minister had also paid a visit to the Gulf nation again in February last year.&nbsp;

United Arab Emirates (UAE) Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar here on Monday and agreed to maintain "high-level exchanges" between the two countries.

United Arab Emirates (UAE) Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar here on Monday and agreed to maintain "high-level exchanges" between the two countries. "EAM S Jaishankar welcomes UAE Foreign Minister HH AB Zayed ahead of the delegation-level talks. In recent years, our age-old relationship has been nurtured to take it to a higher trajectory on the foundation of frequent high-level exchanges," the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson wrote on Twitter. The visiting UAE Foreign Minister arrived here on a three-day bilateral visit to the country on Sunday evening. On Tuesday, the UAE Foreign Minister is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and participate in a business roundtable interaction with CEOs of Indian companies. The visit is aimed at providing the two sides with an opportunity to explore new areas of cooperation to further strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. The UAE is India's third-largest trade partner and fourth largest energy supplier. It is also the first country to participate in India's 'Strategic Petroleum Reserves' programme. Modi had visited the UAE in August 2015 during which the two countries decided to elevate their relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership. The Prime Minister had also paid a visit to the Gulf nation again in February last year.

UAE Foreign Minister meets Jaishankar, agree to maintain high-level exchanges

Saudi Arabia and the UAE on Saturday called for decisive action to protect energy supplies amid a tense US-Iran standoff as two tankers attacked in a vital Gulf shipping channel headed to port.

The United Arab Emirates' Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan called on world powers "to secure international navigation and access to energy", a plea echoed by regional ally Saudi Arabia after the incident sent crude prices soaring.

The two tankers -- the Japanese-owned Kokuka Courageous that was carrying highly flammable methanol when it was rocked by explosions and the Norwegian Front Altair -- were heading to port on Saturday, owners and shipping officials said.

The US military on Friday released grainy footage it said showed an Iranian patrol boat removing an "unexploded limpet mine" from one of the tankers.

US President Donald Trump has said the twin attack in the Gulf of Oman on Thursday had Iran "written all over it", rejecting Tehran's vehement denial.

Iran has repeatedly threatened to block the Hormuz Strait, a narrow seaway vital to the world's oil supplies, in the event of a conflict with the US.&nbsp;

The UAE's Sheikh Abdullah, whose country is bitterly opposed to Iranian influence in the region, called Saturday for a de-escalation of tensions.

"We remain hopeful in attaining a broader framework for cooperation with Iran," he said at a summit in Bulgaria.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih called for a "swift and decisive" response to threats against energy supplies after Thursday's "terrorist acts".

Gulf Cooperation Council secretary general Abdullatif al-Zayani also called the attack a "direct threat" to energy supplies, calling on world powers to protect international shipping lanes and hold the perpetrators accountable.

Vessels head to port

The Japanese tanker's Tokyo-based operator Kokuka confirmed Saturday the vessel was heading to port in the UAE.

"We still don't know if the tanker goes to Khor Fakkan or Fujairah as they are very close," said a spokesman, referring to two Emirati ports on the Gulf of Oman.&nbsp;

Maritime experts would then seek to transfer the highly flammable cargo to shore, according to an unnamed official quoted by Japanese state media.

"From a viewpoint of global energy security, it is necessary for the international community to jointly deal with the act," said Japanese trade minister Hiroshige Seko at a G20 energy and environment meeting in Japan on Saturday.

The other ship, the Norwegian-operated Front Altair, has left Iran's territorial waters, multiple sources said Saturday.

The ship is "heading toward the Fujairah-Khor Fakkan area in the United Arab Emirates", head of ports for Iran's southern province of Hormozgan told the semi-official news agency ISNA.

The tanker "has left Iran's territorial waters," he said, adding that it was being towed and sprayed with water to cool the hull.

Frontline Management, the Norwegian company which owns the ship, confirmed it had left Iranian waters and said "the 23 crew members... remain safe and well, with plans being made for their repatriation soonest".&nbsp;

'Allegations against Iran'

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted that the US had "immediately jumped to make allegations against Iran without a shred of factual or circumstantial evidence."

The United States has also accused Iran over May 12 sabotage attacks on four tankers anchored in the Gulf of Oman off Fujairah.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an independent investigation.

"It's very important to know the truth (and) that responsibilities are clarified," he told reporters at UN headquarters in New York.

"Obviously that can only be done if there is an independent entity that verifies those facts."

The oil tankers hit Thursday morning were 10 nautical miles apart and heading for Asia when they were struck by explosions after passing through the Strait of Hormuz, some 25 nautical miles off Iran's southern coast.

The Front Altair was carrying naphtha, a refined petroleum product, when it was hit by three explosions, according to Norwegian officials.

Blocking the Hormuz Strait would be a relatively low-tech, high-impact countermeasure Iran could take against any attack by the United States, and would severely disrupt global oil supplies.

But Trump played down the threat.

"It's not going to be closed, it's not going to be closed for long and they know it. They've been told in very strong terms," he said on Friday, referring to Iran.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE on Saturday called for decisive action to protect energy supplies amid a tense US-Iran standoff as two tankers attacked in a vital Gulf shipping channel headed to port.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE on Saturday called for decisive action to protect energy supplies amid a tense US-Iran standoff as two tankers attacked in a vital Gulf shipping channel headed to port. The United Arab Emirates' Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan called on world powers "to secure international navigation and access to energy", a plea echoed by regional ally Saudi Arabia after the incident sent crude prices soaring. The two tankers -- the Japanese-owned Kokuka Courageous that was carrying highly flammable methanol when it was rocked by explosions and the Norwegian Front Altair -- were heading to port on Saturday, owners and shipping officials said. The US military on Friday released grainy footage it said showed an Iranian patrol boat removing an "unexploded limpet mine" from one of the tankers. US President Donald Trump has said the twin attack in the Gulf of Oman on Thursday had Iran "written all over it", rejecting Tehran's vehement denial. Iran has repeatedly threatened to block the Hormuz Strait, a narrow seaway vital to the world's oil supplies, in the event of a conflict with the US. The UAE's Sheikh Abdullah, whose country is bitterly opposed to Iranian influence in the region, called Saturday for a de-escalation of tensions. "We remain hopeful in attaining a broader framework for cooperation with Iran," he said at a summit in Bulgaria. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih called for a "swift and decisive" response to threats against energy supplies after Thursday's "terrorist acts". Gulf Cooperation Council secretary general Abdullatif al-Zayani also called the attack a "direct threat" to energy supplies, calling on world powers to protect international shipping lanes and hold the perpetrators accountable. Vessels head to port The Japanese tanker's Tokyo-based operator Kokuka confirmed Saturday the vessel was heading to port in the UAE. "We still don't know if the tanker goes to Khor Fakkan or Fujairah as they are very close," said a spokesman, referring to two Emirati ports on the Gulf of Oman. Maritime experts would then seek to transfer the highly flammable cargo to shore, according to an unnamed official quoted by Japanese state media. "From a viewpoint of global energy security, it is necessary for the international community to jointly deal with the act," said Japanese trade minister Hiroshige Seko at a G20 energy and environment meeting in Japan on Saturday. The other ship, the Norwegian-operated Front Altair, has left Iran's territorial waters, multiple sources said Saturday. The ship is "heading toward the Fujairah-Khor Fakkan area in the United Arab Emirates", head of ports for Iran's southern province of Hormozgan told the semi-official news agency ISNA. The tanker "has left Iran's territorial waters," he said, adding that it was being towed and sprayed with water to cool the hull. Frontline Management, the Norwegian company which owns the ship, confirmed it had left Iranian waters and said "the 23 crew members... remain safe and well, with plans being made for their repatriation soonest". 'Allegations against Iran' Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted that the US had "immediately jumped to make allegations against Iran without a shred of factual or circumstantial evidence." The United States has also accused Iran over May 12 sabotage attacks on four tankers anchored in the Gulf of Oman off Fujairah. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an independent investigation. "It's very important to know the truth (and) that responsibilities are clarified," he told reporters at UN headquarters in New York. "Obviously that can only be done if there is an independent entity that verifies those facts." The oil tankers hit Thursday morning were 10 nautical miles apart and heading for Asia when they were struck by explosions after passing through the Strait of Hormuz, some 25 nautical miles off Iran's southern coast. The Front Altair was carrying naphtha, a refined petroleum product, when it was hit by three explosions, according to Norwegian officials. Blocking the Hormuz Strait would be a relatively low-tech, high-impact countermeasure Iran could take against any attack by the United States, and would severely disrupt global oil supplies. But Trump played down the threat. "It's not going to be closed, it's not going to be closed for long and they know it. They've been told in very strong terms," he said on Friday, referring to Iran.

Gulf powers urge action to secure energy supplies as tankers port-bound