ABU DHABI, Jan 26: United Arab Emirates Labour Minister Sheikh Mattar Humaid Al Tayer has said his country would welcome professional, skilled and semi-skilled workers from Pakistan.

Talking to Labour and Manpower Minister Abdul Sattar Laleka, who is accompanying Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali on a 5-day tour of the Middle Eastern countries, he said Pakistani manpower had contributed a great deal to the development of the UAE.

Sheikh Mattar said he had always advised the companies importing labour force to employ more Pakistanis. He said Pakistani labour force was trustworthy and hardworking.

He assured Laleka that he would request the UAE health ministry to hire Pakistani doctors, nurses and technicians.

Laleka said Pakistan held the UAE and its leadership in high esteem for its contribution in social work in the country, including in education and health, and its support to the cause of the Ummah.

He also requested the UAE minister to help the Pakistan embassy in resolving the issue of the community centre. He assured that if restored, it would remain under the control of the embassy.

The UAE minister said he would have no objection if the issue was cleared by the Pakistan foreign office.—APP