ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and UAE’s Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan on Wednesday discussed deepening bilateral cooperation and matters of mutual interest between the two states, the Pakistani interior ministry said.

The two officials met and held talks when Al Nayhan arrived in Pakistan’s southern Khairpur city, the interior ministry said. Both leaders jointly cut a cake to mark the UAE’s National Day, which is celebrated on Dec. 2 every year.

“During the meeting, there was a detailed discussion on further strengthening bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, matters of mutual interest and joint initiatives,” the interior ministry said.

Naqvi observed that the brotherly ties between Pakistan and the UAE are based on mutual trust, respect and long-standing friendship.

The Pakistani minister also noted that both countries remain firmly committed to further strengthening these ties, the statement said.