ABU DHABI: Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), highlighting the steady growth in Emirati investment in Pakistan, has emphasised the untapped potential in areas such as logistics, ports, renewable energy, and digital infrastructure.
Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi was speaking at a Dialogue Session titled ‘Bilateral Relations Between the UAE and Pakistan,’ at the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR) in Abu Dhabi, a statement from the Pakistan embassy said on Friday.
The Ambassador underscored the deep-rooted and multifaceted relationship between Pakistan and the UAE, which is based on shared values, cultural affinities, and strong people-to-people ties. “Our relations are marked by mutual respect, growing economic interdependence, and the invaluable contribution of 1.7 million Pakistanis living and working in the UAE,” he noted.
The Ambassador highlighted a series of recent high-level engagements, including the visits of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, to Pakistan, as well as the successful conclusion of the 12th Pakistan-UAE Joint Ministerial Commission. These developments, he stated, reflect the growing momentum in bilateral cooperation.
On regional peace and security, Ambassador Tirmizi emphasised the shared commitment of Pakistan and the UAE to counter threats posed by non-state actors. Recalling Pakistan’s sacrifices and experience in the fight against terrorism, he reaffirmed Islamabad’s readiness to further collaborate with the UAE to ensure regional stability.
Commenting on developments in the Middle East, the Ambassador called for an unconditional ceasefire in Gaza and lauded the UAE’s diplomatic and humanitarian efforts. He stressed the importance of inclusive, dialogue-based diplomacy in resolving regional conflicts.
In response to a question on the Indus Waters Treaty, Ambassador Tirmizi clarified that the treaty, mediated by the World Bank in 1960, cannot be unilaterally suspended. He cited the recent ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in favour of Pakistan, affirming that India cannot withdraw from the agreement on its own.
Turning to economic ties, the Ambassador noted the steady growth in Emirati investment in Pakistan, emphasising the untapped potential in areas such as logistics, ports, renewable energy, and digital infrastructure. He highlighted the development of Karachi Port and Pakistan’s geostrategic location as key assets in this regard.
Ambassador Tirmizi also called for enhanced collaboration between think tanks, universities, and research institutions in both countries. “Joint research and knowledge exchanges can strengthen our bilateral dialogue and help us address shared global challenges,” he added.
