ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday received the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and discussed regional developments and bilateral ties.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirmed the deep-rooted fraternal ties between Pakistan and the UAE, built on shared history, mutual respect, as well as strong cultural and economic linkages.
The Prime Minister conveyed his warm greetings to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, and the Ruler of Abu Dhabi and appreciated the UAE’s continued support for Pakistan in diverse sectors.
While expressing satisfaction at the positive trajectory of bilateral cooperation between the two countries, the Prime Minister emphasised the need to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, energy, and people-to-people contacts.
He reiterated Pakistan’s strong desire to elevate the excellent political ties between Pakistan and the UAE to a mutually beneficial economic partnership.
In addition to bilateral ties, the regional situation and global developments also came under discussion during the meeting.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan appreciated the contributions of the Pakistani community in the UAE and reiterated the UAE’s resolve to deepen bilateral ties and explore new avenues of collaboration.
Earlier, Pakistan and the UAE signed three Memorandums of Understanding. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan signed the MoUs for cooperation in the field of culture and the establishment of the joint committee for consular affairs.
The UAE deputy premier arrived in Islamabad on Sunday for a two-day official visit aimed at strengthening cooperation in energy, trade and security, Pakistan’s foreign ministry said in an earlier statement.
The UAE hosts over a million Pakistani expatriates, making it the second-largest Pakistani community abroad and a significant source of remittances to Pakistan.
In February, during the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s visit to Pakistan, both countries signed agreements in sectors such as mining, railways, banking, and infrastructure.
Earlier, in January of the previous year, Pakistan and the UAE had inked deals exceeding $3 billion, focusing on railways, economic zones, and infrastructure development.
