Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar discussed various issues of bilateral interests and called for promoting bilateral cooperation in different sectors while talking to Cuban and United Arab Emirates (UAE) ambassadors who held separate meetings with him at his office on Wednesday. During his meeting with Cuban Ambassador Gabriel Tiell Capote, Punjab Chief Minister Buzdar discussed different matters of mutual interest including promotion of bilateral cooperation in healthcare and other sectors. The Cuban ambassador congratulated the Punjab chief minister on taking over the office. Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said that we have come to power in the name of change and government is fully committed to bring positive changes in the lives of common man. “Prime Minister Imran Khan has taken numerous unprecedented steps in a short span of time and the government is taking every possible step to provide qualitative facilities to the general public. We shall seek necessary cooperation from anywhere it is available,” he added. Usman Buzdar said that Cuba has made its health sector a role model and this system is an example of its kind. He said that the Punjab government is ready to benefit from Cuban expertise in health sector and added that steps will be taken to promote trade, culture and investment with Cuba. The Cuban ambassador said that his government desires cooperation with the incumbent government in healthcare and other sectors. Meanwhile, during a meeting with UAE Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zabi, various matters including promotion of Pakistan-UAE relations came under discussion in detail. It was agreed to strengthen and promote economic ties and investment. The proposal of setting up the Pakistan-UAE Business Council also came under discussion. It was further decided to increase close ties so as to enhance the investment following which the CM invited the UAE investors to invest in special economic zones. Buzdar said that Pakistan and UAE enjoyed historical relations and vowed that these relations will be further extended under the leadership of PM Imran Khan. He said that investors are given special incentives in Punjab and UAE’s investment companies will be fully welcomed. The Punjab CM appreciated UAE’s cooperation in the development of the country adding that this collaboration is highly valued. “We want to further strengthen mutual ties in various sectors including trade, investment, energy, water projects, culture and tourism,” he said. “The time has come to transform Pakistan-UAE relations into strong economic ties and exchange of business-to-business delegations is necessary in this regard. It is my desire to visit UAE as soon as possible,” the CM concluded. Speaking on the occasion, Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zabi said that we would welcome you to UAE adding that Pakistan is our second home and bilateral relations will be further strengthened. The UAE leadership is standing along with Pakistan and we will provide every sort of cooperation to you. He said that UAE’s companies are interested in investment in Pakistan and “we want to invest in special economic zones in water projects, energy and other sectors”. Spokesman to CM Dr Shahbaz Gill, adviser Akram Chaudhry, Planning & Development chairman, principal secretary and others were also present during the meetings of envoys with the CM. Published in Daily Times, December 6th 2018.