PM Shehbaz reaffirms resolve to elevate Pak-UAE longstanding ties

Rahim Yar Khan (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday renewed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening its historic and fraternal relationship with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by steering it towards a strong, results-driven economic partnership.

The remarks were made during his meeting with UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, held in Rahim Yar Khan earlier in the day.

During the meeting, the prime minister highlighted the need for both countries to intensify efforts aimed at substantially boosting bilateral trade, stressing that a major surge in trade volumes was essential to reach the level of cooperation envisioned by both sides.

The two leaders also explored avenues for expanding collaboration across multiple sectors, including information technology, energy, mining and minerals, as well as defence-related cooperation.

While praising the UAE’s rapid development and progress, PM Shehbaz expressed admiration for the leadership of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, describing it as dynamic and forward-looking.

He conveyed gratitude to the UAE president for his continued support and personal commitment to strengthening Pakistan-UAE relations.

The prime minister also acknowledged the UAE’s role in hosting nearly 2.1 million Pakistanis, noting that the expatriate community had become an important bridge in reinforcing ties between the two nations.

Alongside discussions on bilateral cooperation, both leaders exchanged views on a range of other issues of shared interest.

Their interaction, marked by warmth and cordiality, carried forward the dialogue initiated during their recent meeting in Islamabad last Friday, when Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan undertook his first official visit to Pakistan as the UAE president.

The meeting concluded a year characterised by frequent high-level contacts between the leaderships of Pakistan and the UAE.

PM Shehbaz was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi, along with other senior government officials.