ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has been a major beneficiary of aid provided by the United Arab Emirates, with a grant of Dh251 million [$68m approximately] provided to the country last year, data from a UAE government report showed.

The UAE distributed more than Dh28 billion in international aid last year. Pakistan was the eighth most supported nation with a grant of Dh251.10m given to the country.

Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health Dr Zafar Mirza said that the UAE was a time-tested friend of Pakistan and it was supporting the country in health and development sectors.

In an interview with the Arab News, Dr Mirza thanked the UAE government for their support in every field and said that increased aid reflected the UAE trust in Pakistan.

Under Prime Minister Imran Khan’s leadership, relations between Pakistan and the UAE had become stronger which was evident from frequent bilateral visits at the leadership level, he said.

He praised the UAE’s support in the health sector, especially in helping Pakistan eradicate polio from the country.

“They are our major partners in the polio eradication programme. I really appreciate the support provided by the UAE in our fight against polio as in our recent campaign they (UAE) have contributed a lot,” Dr Mirza said.

Published in Dawn, January 23rd, 2020