ISLAMABAD (MNN); Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates on Friday held substantive discussions aimed at further strengthening their longstanding fraternal ties, following the conclusion of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s first official visit to Pakistan, according to an official statement.
This marked the Emirati president’s second visit to Pakistan this year. He had earlier met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Rahim Yar Khan in January, though Friday’s visit was his first official trip to the country as president, the Foreign Office confirmed.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to close coordination on issues of mutual interest and exchanged views on key regional and international developments. Expressing satisfaction over the positive momentum in bilateral relations, the two leaders reiterated their resolve to work closely to promote peace, stability and sustainable development.
The statement said President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit would further solidify the deep brotherly relations between Pakistan and the UAE and contribute to strengthening their strategic partnership.
During talks between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the UAE president, both leaders discussed expanding cooperation in economic development, investment, energy, infrastructure, information technology, technology transfer and people-to-people exchanges. They also agreed on the need to boost bilateral trade, noting its significant potential for mutually beneficial growth.
President Al Nahyan was accorded a warm and cordial welcome upon arrival. His aircraft was escorted by a formation of JF-17 fighter jets as it entered Pakistani airspace. He landed in Islamabad earlier in the day and was received by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at Nur Khan Airbase.
Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, along with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, were also present to welcome the visiting leader. A 21-gun salute was presented in his honour at an official reception.
According to Emirati news agency WAM, President Al Nahyan was accompanied by senior advisers, ministers and officials, including the UAE ambassador to Pakistan, Salem Mohammed Al Zaabi.
The Foreign Office said the visit provided an important opportunity for both sides to review the full spectrum of bilateral relations and exchange views on regional and global matters of shared concern. It added that the visit reflected the depth of ties between the two countries and their shared commitment to enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, energy, development and regional stability.
Earlier, the Islamabad district administration declared a local holiday in the federal capital on the day of the visit, while essential services such as hospitals, police, city administration, CDA and utilities remained operational.
Pakistan and the UAE enjoy close diplomatic, economic and cultural relations, reinforced by historical links and a large Pakistani expatriate community in the Emirates. The UAE remains one of Pakistan’s major trading partners and a key source of remittances. Both countries also collaborate closely in defence, energy and investment sectors.
Earlier this year, the two sides signed multiple memoranda of understanding to strengthen people-to-people ties, including agreements on cultural cooperation, consular affairs and the establishment of a UAE-Pakistan Joint Business Council.
