ISLAMABAD (MNN); Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates on Friday held substantive discussions aimed at further strengthening their longstanding fraternal relations, following the conclusion of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s first official visit to Pakistan.
Although this marked Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s second visit to Pakistan this year — after meeting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Rahim Yar Khan in January — the Foreign Office said this was his first official visit in his capacity as president.
According to a joint statement, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining close coordination on issues of mutual interest and exchanged views on key regional and international developments.
Expressing satisfaction over the positive momentum in bilateral ties, the two leaders reiterated their resolve to work closely to advance shared goals of peace, stability and sustainable development.
The statement said President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s visit would further consolidate the deep-rooted brotherly relations between Pakistan and the UAE and contribute to strengthening their strategic partnership.
During talks between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Al Nahyan, both sides discussed expanding cooperation in economic collaboration, investment, energy, infrastructure development, information technology, technology transfer and people-to-people contacts.
They also agreed on the need to enhance bilateral trade, noting its strong potential for mutually beneficial growth.
The statement noted that the Emirati president was accorded a warm and cordial welcome, with Pakistan Air Force JF-17 fighter jets escorting the royal aircraft upon its entry into Pakistani airspace.
Earlier in the day, President Al Nahyan arrived in Islamabad and was received at Nur Khan Airbase by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar were also present.
The UAE president was given a 21-gun salute at an official reception. According to UAE state news agency WAM, he was accompanied by presidential advisers Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, UAE Ambassador to Pakistan Salem Mohammed Al Zaabi, and other senior officials.
The Foreign Office said the visit provided an important opportunity to review the full spectrum of bilateral relations and exchange views on regional and global matters of shared concern.
To mark the visit, the Islamabad district administration declared Friday a local holiday in the federal capital, while essential services remained operational.
Pakistan and the UAE enjoy close diplomatic, economic and cultural relations, underpinned by historical ties and a large Pakistani expatriate community in the Emirates. The UAE is among Pakistan’s leading trading partners and a major source of remittances.
In April, the two countries signed several memoranda of understanding to enhance cooperation, including agreements on cultural collaboration, consular affairs and the establishment of a UAE-Pakistan Joint Business Council.
