This was the third interaction between the leaderships of the UAE and Pakistan in three months

He was met at the airport by Prime Minister Imran Khan. They also had a one-on-on meeting. According to the Foreign Office, the prince engaged in delegation level talks and met the chief of army staff.

The PM drove the crown prince from the airport to PM House himself. He was greeted by a huge delegation and a 21-gun salute.

He also met the federal cabinet at PM House before he was presented with a guard of honour and a fly-past during the welcome ceremony.

There were talks of an announcement of a major bailout package for Pakistan from the UAE during the visit.

This is the third interaction between the leadership of the UAE and Pakistan in three months but the first visit by Sheikh Mohammed to the country in 12 years. His last visit was in 2007.

According to a joint statement issued after the UAE royal's visit, bilateral relations and regional and global issues were discussed during PM Khan and Sheikh Mohammed's meeting. the crown prince was also briefed by PM Khan on the Kashmir issue.

Meanwhile, both leaders expressed their wish to strengthen ties between UAE and Pakistan. They agreed to make a long term investment framework to strengthen economic ties.

PM Khan expressed his gratitude for the “generous” balance of payment support of US$3 billion and noted that the financial support showed the UAE’s continued commitment and friendship that remained steadfast over the years.

He also welcomed the UAE’s interest in investing in various sectors in Pakistan including oil and gas, logistics, ports and construction.

The two leaders decided to form a task force to take all necessary measures to deal with matters relating to trade enhancement.

During the meeting, PM Khan and Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed noted that the Pakistan-UAE Joint Ministerial Commission, to be co-chaired by the two countries' foreign ministers in Abu Dhabi next month, could "play a pivotal role in chalking out a comprehensive roadmap, and in fast-tracking the approval of pending agreements and memorandum of understandings (MoUs)".

PM Khan admired UAE’s role in the Afghan peace process.

The UAE announced on December 21 a $3 billion bailout package for Pakistan to overcome its balance of payment issue under its Abu Dhabi Fund for Development.

The fund has financed eight development projects in Pakistan with a total value of AED 1.5 billion, including AED 931 million in grants. The funds covered projects in sectors such as energy, health, education and roads.

The UAE is the country’s largest trading partner in the Middle East. There are 1.6 million expatriate Pakistanis living in the country, who send home an estimated $4.5 billion every year.

Sheikh Mohammed departed for the UAE Sunday afternoon.