Dhabi, Nov. 24, 2008 -- Pakistani President, Asif Ali Zardari, arrived here this afternoon on a two-day official visit to the UAE.

President H. H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan received President Zardari and his entourage on arrival here at the airport.

Also at the airport to receive the Pakistani President were Deputy Prime Minister, Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Labour Minister, Saqr Ghobash, who is also the head of the honorary mission accompanying the Pakistani President, Deputy Minister for Presidential Affairs, Ahmed Juma Al-Za'abi, UAE Ambassador to Pakistan, Ali Saif Sultan Al-Awani and Pakistani Ambassador, Khurshed Ahmed Junejo.

Sheikh Khalifa accompanied the Pakistani President to the Al-Mushref Palace where the official protocol reception was held for the August visitor, who was given a 21 gun-salute.

President Zardari later shook hands with UAE senior officials, including sheikhs, ministers, senior army and civilian officials.

Sheikh Khalifa also shook hands with members of the delegation accompanying the Pakistani President. They include Foreign Minister, Malchdoom Shah Mabniood Qureshi, Advisor for Financial Affairs, Shaukat Fayaz Ahmed Tarin, Internal Affairs Advisor to Pakistani Prime Minister, Abdul Rahman Malik, Minister of State, Saleem Mande, Pakistani Ambassador, Khurshed Ahmed Junejo and other officials. (WAM/SA)