Islamabad – April 21, 2025:
Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen bilateral relations across various sectors, including trade, investment, aviation, and cultural cooperation, during a high-level diplomatic meeting in Islamabad on Monday.
The meeting was held between Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the Foreign Office. Sheikh Abdullah arrived in Islamabad on Sunday evening for a two-day official visit, signaling the growing momentum in bilateral engagement between the two brotherly nations.
According to the Foreign Office (FO), Sheikh Abdullah is also expected to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to further discuss regional and global developments of mutual interest, along with enhancing strategic cooperation in the coming days.
During the talks, both sides expressed satisfaction over the current trajectory of bilateral relations and reiterated their shared desire to further deepen cooperation in economic, diplomatic, and people-to-people domains. Sheikh Abdullah remarked, “Pakistan is close to our hearts,” and emphasized that both the leaders and peoples of the two countries are committed to advancing this longstanding relationship.
Deputy PM Ishaq Dar echoed these sentiments, noting that Pakistan and the UAE share age-old fraternal ties rooted in mutual respect and shared goals. He stressed the importance of continued collaboration for the welfare and prosperity of both nations.
In a major step forward, two MoUs were signed during the meeting:
- MoU on cultural cooperation, which aims to strengthen people-to-people exchanges and preserve shared heritage.
- MoU on establishing a joint committee for consular affairs, which will enhance support services for citizens of both countries.
Additionally, a third MoU was signed between the Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) to create the UAE-Pakistan Joint Business Council. This council will promote trade partnerships, business matchmaking, and investment facilitation, further solidifying economic ties between the two nations.
The visit marks a key diplomatic milestone, reflecting the importance both countries place on enhancing strategic, economic, and cultural collaboration. It comes at a time when Pakistan is actively seeking to boost foreign investment and diversify its global partnerships, while the UAE continues to expand its influence as a major economic player in the region.
