ISLAMABAD, December 26 (TNF): Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates held wide-ranging and substantive talks on Friday during the first official visit of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Pakistan. Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation across political, economic, and strategic domains, reaffirming the strength of their long-standing brotherly ties.
According to Pakistan’s DAWN News, the discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding collaboration in key sectors of mutual interest. The visit marked President Al Nahyan’s first official trip to Pakistan since assuming office, although he had earlier met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Rahim Yar Khan in January this year.
A joint statement issued after the talks said both leaders expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of Pakistan-UAE relations. They reiterated their determination to work closely to promote peace, stability, and sustainable development at both regional and international levels.
“The visit of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan will further consolidate the deep brotherly ties between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates and contribute to strengthening their strategic partnership,” the statement said, as reported by DAWN News.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Al Nahyan discussed expanding cooperation in economic development, trade, investment, energy, infrastructure, information technology, and technology-driven growth. Both leaders acknowledged the strong potential for mutually beneficial trade and agreed on the need to enhance bilateral commercial ties.
They also exchanged views on major regional and global developments. The two sides pledged to maintain close coordination on matters of shared concern and continue diplomatic engagement at multiple levels.
President Al Nahyan received a warm and ceremonial welcome upon his arrival in Islamabad. According to the Foreign Office, a formation of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets escorted the presidential aircraft as it entered Pakistani airspace. The gesture highlighted the importance Pakistan attached to the visit.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif received the UAE president at Nur Khan Airbase. Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff, along with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, were also present to welcome the visiting leader.
At the official reception, President Al Nahyan received a 21-gun salute by a contingent of Pakistan’s armed forces, according to state-run Radio Pakistan. The ceremony underlined the high-level protocol accorded to the Emirati leader.
The UAE president arrived with a high-level delegation. According to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the delegation included 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 several senior ministers and officials.
The Foreign Office said the visit provided an important opportunity to review the full spectrum of bilateral relations. It added that the talks also covered regional stability and international issues of mutual interest.
The visit reflected the depth of Pakistan-UAE relations and their shared commitment to expanding cooperation in trade, investment, energy, development, and security. Pakistan and the UAE maintain close diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties, supported by decades of cooperation and people-to-people connections.
The UAE remains one of Pakistan’s largest trading partners and a major source of remittances. A large Pakistani expatriate community works across various sectors in the Emirates, contributing significantly to both economies. The two countries also collaborate closely in defence, energy, and infrastructure development, with the UAE frequently extending financial assistance and humanitarian support to Pakistan.
Earlier this year, Pakistan and the UAE signed multiple memoranda of understanding to strengthen bilateral cooperation. These included agreements on cultural cooperation, the creation of a joint consular affairs committee, and the establishment of the UAE-Pakistan Joint Business Council between the chambers of commerce of both countries.
In view of the visit, Islamabad’s district administration declared a local holiday in the federal capital. Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon said essential services, including hospitals, police, utilities, and the Capital Development Authority, remained operational.
As reported by Pakistan’s DAWN News, both sides described the visit as a milestone that would further cement their strategic partnership and open new avenues for cooperation in the years ahead.
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