Baradar stresses expanded trade links with UAE

KABUL (Pajhwok): Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar has met the new leader of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

A statement from the deputy premier’s office said on Sunday Baradar was visiting the UAE to attend Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s funeral.

He met Mohammad bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to express his condolences on the demise of Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

In talks with other officials of the UAE, Mullah Baradar discussed ways of strengthening bilateral trade relations.

He called on host officials to resolve the issue of visas for Afghan nationals and restart flights between the two countries.

The deputy premier asked UAE authorities to release the Afghans who had been detained for committing petty crimes.

He also invited Afghan businessmen and investors to return home and launch businesses in their homeland, according to the statement.

pr/mud