Abu Dhabi: Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan will start an official visit to the United Arab Emirates today.
The Pakistani Premier is expected to seal trade and investment deals during his meetings with the UAE leaders, but all eyes will be on the crucial $3-6 billion bailout package, reported Khaleej Times.
According to Pakistan's Foreign Office, Khan will undertake a day-long visit to the UAE at the invitation of Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces Shaikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Imran will also hold talks with UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Dubai Ruler Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Foreign Office said.
After $6 billion in aid from Saudi Arabia, and another package from China whose details have not been disclosed, a similar deal with the UAE would go a long way in easing Pakistan's balance of payments (BoP) situation. It would also put the country on a better footing in ongoing negotiations with the IMF.
Most of the details about trade deals and likely bailout package, expected to be announced later today, were finalised when UAE Foreign Minister Shaikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan led a delegation of the country's top business and corporate leaders to Islamabad last month.