Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates have agreed on shared goals of peace, stability and sustainable development during the first official visit of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Pakistan.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held talks with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Islamabad. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir were present at the meeting.

Both sides agreed to further strengthen the brotherly relations between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates. Ongoing bilateral cooperation projects came under review during the talks.

The leaders stressed the need to expand cooperation in investment, energy, infrastructure and information technology. They also agreed to increase the volume of trade between Pakistan and the UAE.

A decision was taken to widen partnerships in people-to-people contacts and the technology sector. The prime minister and the UAE president exchanged views on regional and global developments. Both sides reaffirmed their resolve to maintain close contact on matters of mutual interest and again agreed on their shared objectives of peace, stability and sustainable development.

UAE president Sheikh Mohammed reaches Pakistan on daylong visit

Pakistan is hosting the president of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, today on a one-day official visit marked by ceremonial honours and high-level diplomatic engagements.

The visit is being viewed as a significant milestone in strengthening Pak-UAE relations across multiple fronts.

Upon arriving in Islamabad, the UAE president was welcomed at Nur Khan Airbase by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and other federal ministers and senior government officials. The federal ministers present included Ahsan Iqbal, Mohsin Naqvi, Khawaja Asif, Muhammad Aurangzeb and Abdul Aleem Khan.

An official reception was held upon his arrival, featuring the playing of the national anthems of both countries, a 21-gun salute, and a guard of honour by a military contingent. Military and traditional bands performed ceremonial displays, while children holding the flags of Pakistan and the UAE lined the route to greet the visiting leader. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif introduced his cabinet members to the distinguished guest.

The accompanying delegation includes advisers to the UAE president Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan; Salem Mohammed Al Zaabi, the UAE ambassador to Pakistan; along with several ministers and senior officials.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is visiting Pakistan at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. This marks his first visit to Pakistan since assuming office as president of the United Arab Emirates. He is likely to be accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising ministers and senior UAE officials, underscoring the importance both sides attach to the visit.

Grand welcome, public holiday

The federal capital has declared a public holiday in honour of the distinguished guest. Major highways, intersections, and key routes across Islamabad have been beautifully decorated with Pak-UAE flags, portraits of leaders, and special lighting arrangements.

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Roads across the city have been illuminated with electric lights, creating a festive atmosphere to welcome a long-time and trusted friend of Pakistan.