Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister House during his visit to Pakistan on Monday.

The high-level meeting emphasized the historic, cultural, and economic bonds that unite Pakistan and the UAE. Both leaders expressed a strong desire to take the relationship forward by enhancing cooperation in key sectors, including trade, investment, energy, and people-to-people connectivity.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conveyed his best wishes to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and lauded the UAE’s consistent support for Pakistan across various domains. He also expressed satisfaction with the positive trajectory of bilateral cooperation, particularly in recent months.

“We value our deep-rooted fraternal ties with the UAE built on shared history, mutual respect, as well as strong cultural and economic linkages, and we are eager to transform it into a more robust economic partnership,” said the PM.

He also reiterated Pakistan’s strong desire to elevate the excellent political ties between Pakistan and the UAE to a mutually beneficial economic partnership.

The deputy prime minister of the UAE, in turn, appreciated the positive role of the Pakistani community in the Emirates, noting their contribution to the country's development and prosperity. He reaffirmed the UAE’s strong commitment to enhancing ties with Pakistan and exploring fresh opportunities for cooperation.

The two sides also held detailed discussions on regional affairs and global developments, underscoring the importance of working together to address shared challenges in an evolving international landscape.

Also Read: UAE, Pakistan ink key MoUs to boost cultural, investment ties

Both leaders reiterated their determination to expand the scope of bilateral engagement and unlock the full potential of their multifaceted partnership.

Earlier, the UAE and Pakistan signed multiple memorandums of understanding (MoUs) aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation in the fields of investment, trade, culture, and consular affairs. The signing ceremony took place in Islamabad during Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan's visit, with his Pakistani counterpart, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, also present on the occasion.

According to the Foreign Office, the two countries formalised three separate agreements, including one for the establishment of a UAE-Pakistan Joint Business Council, during Sheikh Abdullah’s visit, which began Sunday evening.

Speaking at a joint press conference alongside Mr Dar, the Emirati official expressed a strong desire to bolster investment relations with Pakistan.

“I think the people of Pakistan and the UAE want to see more progress in relations, and I want to emphasise that things have been moving much faster than in the last one or two years,” Sheikh Abdullah said.

He added that the UAE hopes to accelerate cooperation in several sectors, particularly trade, investment, and aviation.

The MoU on the Joint Business Council was signed between the UAE Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI). The council is expected to play a pivotal role in facilitating private sector engagement and boosting bilateral trade.

Another MoU focused on enhancing cultural exchange was signed between Pakistan’s National Heritage and Culture Division and the UAE Ministry of Culture. A third agreement established a Joint Committee for Consular Affairs to improve coordination between the foreign ministries of the two countries.

Welcoming the UAE dignitary at the Foreign Office earlier, Mr Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening its longstanding ties with the Gulf nation. “The visit will further strengthen the relations between our two brotherly countries,” he said.

Sheikh Abdullah, for his part, acknowledged the historical nature of UAE-Pakistan relations and emphasised their continued relevance in addressing mutual challenges and opportunities. “I have good memories of Pakistan, and I am confident that our partnership will continue to grow,” he remarked.