ISLAMABAD, Dec 22: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Pakistan, seeking more manpower. This was stated by the visiting UAE Labour Minister Dr Ali Bin Abdullah Al Kaabi after a meeting with Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Friday.

He said his visit was aimed at further strengthening the longstanding relationship between the two countries.

The UAE official apprised the prime minister of the labour reforms undertaken in his country to improve the condition of the working class through the establishment of labour courts, provision of insurance cover to immigrants and removal of middleman from the process of recruitment.Talking to Dr Kaabi, the prime minister said Pakistan and the UAE had always stood by each other.

“Pakistan regards the UAE and other countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council as its strategic partners,” he said.

He said the UAE was one of the most significant investors in Pakistan and that the economic cooperation between the two countries would grow further as both had embarked on a process of massive development.

“Pakistan values its close and multifaceted relationship with the UAE which is rooted in common faith, shared heritage, culture and values,” he said.

Mr Aziz said Pakistan was interested in export of its trained, disciplined and hardworking manpower to the UAE so that it could take part in its ongoing development process.

“We want to supply value-added manpower to get a higher share of mind in the value chain,” he added.

Online adds: Dr Kaabi said that the MoU to be signed with the labour ministry here was aimed at regulating the export of manpower from Pakistan to the UAE.