Pakistan, UAE Vow to Strengthen Fight against Terrorism 
'Pakistan Times' Special Correspondent

ABU DHABI (United Arab Emirates): Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates on Friday vowed to strengthen the fight against terrorism and extremism and to further enhance bilateral relations.

President Musharraf and UAE Crown Prince Gen Sheikh M Bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed regional and international situations as well matters of bilateral interest at a working-lunch meeting at the Royal Palace.

President Musharraf termed terrorism a “common global challenge” that he said required improved coordination and information sharing among the countries to fight the menace.

He said Pakistan was fighting extremism and terrorism in its national interest and not to appease anyone else.

The two leaders agreed to further broaden and strengthen the existing fraternal ties between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.

President Musharraf said Pakistan held the UAE leadership in high esteem and hoped that the two countries would jointly play a prominent role in regional peace and stability.

The UAE Crown Prince said the brotherly ties between the UAE and Pakistan were deep-rooted in the realms of religion, history and culture and hoped that the relations would grow further in the years ahead.

President Musharraf will leave Friday evening for Jeddah where he will hold discussions with Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz. He will also perform Umrah later.

President General Pervez Musharraf arrived here on a brief visit to hold talks with leadership of UAE.

At Abu Dhabi International airport, the President was received by Foreign Minister of UAE Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed and other high officials. Soon after his arrival, the President left for talks with leadership of UAE.

Of US Strikes

Firmly rejecting threats of U.S. strikes inside Pakistan, President General Pervez Musharraf emphatically stated that Pakistan is fully capable of operating against terrorists and needs no outside assistance in this regard.

He was talking to newsmen at Chaklala Air Base before his departure on a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia and UAE.

The President said it was not correct to allege that Al-Qaida was re-grouping in tribal areas and the region was a safe haven for them.

He said, “A small number of Al-Qaida elements present in the area are on the run and we are pursuing them.”

President Musharraf said that inside Pakistani territory only Pakistani forces will operate and they are fully capable of performing this task.

He said, “We are fighting extremism and terrorism in our national interest and we do not have to please anyone.”

Regarding war against terrorism, the President said, “We don’t need to prove anything to anyone.”

Giving details of his two nation visit, the President said he would exchange views with the leadership of Saudi Arabia and UAE on the issues of terrorism and extremism that have regional implications.

The President said it is a common threat and there is need for further coordination and intelligence sharing in the region.

“Both Saudi Arabia and UAE are brotherly countries and he holds their leadership in high esteem,” he said.

The President was seen off at Chaklala Air Base by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and other high military and civil officials.

During his two-day visit, the President will hold wide ranging talks with King Abdullah and UAE leadership. He will also perform ‘umrah’ during his visit to Saudi Arabia.●