Focus on trade expansion, investment, and strategic cooperation

RAHIM YAR KHAN:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, at Sheikh Zayed Palace, Rahim Yar Khan, where the two leaders discussed matters of mutual interest and ways to further strengthen bilateral relations.

Talks Build on Recent Islamabad Engagement

The meeting followed Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s first official visit to Pakistan as UAE president on December 26, during which extensive discussions were held in Islamabad. Both leaders carried forward those talks, reaffirming their shared commitment to deepening cooperation across multiple sectors.

The prime minister was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, SAPM Tariq Fatemi, and other senior officials.

Economic Partnership and Trade Expansion

Prime Minister Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to elevate the longstanding, brotherly ties between the two countries into a strategic and mutually beneficial economic partnership.

He emphasized the need for a quantum jump in bilateral trade, stressing that enhanced economic engagement would unlock new opportunities for growth and investment for both nations.

Focus on IT, Energy, Minerals, and Defence

The two leaders discussed expanding cooperation in a wide range of priority sectors, including information technology, energy, mining and minerals, and defence collaboration. Both sides expressed optimism about translating political goodwill into tangible economic outcomes.

Appreciation for UAE’s Support and Diaspora Role

The prime minister expressed admiration for the UAE’s remarkable progress under Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s visionary leadership and thanked him for his continued support in strengthening bilateral ties.

He also appreciated the UAE for hosting over 2.1 million Pakistanis, noting that the Pakistani diaspora plays a vital role in reinforcing people-to-people connections and economic cooperation between the two countries.

Year of Strong Leadership Engagements

In addition to bilateral matters, the leaders exchanged views on regional and global issues of shared interest. The meeting marked another milestone in a year characterized by frequent high-level engagements between Pakistan and the UAE, reflecting the growing depth of their partnership.