UAE president’s visit to Pakistan underscores drive to expand ties

ISLAMABAD –

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates held talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday aimed at deepening economic cooperation and strengthening regional coordination, on his first official visit to Pakistan since assuming office.

The visit, undertaken at Sharif’s invitation, comes as Pakistan seeks to shore up its struggling economy by attracting foreign investment and reinforcing ties with key Gulf partners.

Sheikh Mohamed arrived at Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, where he was received by Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir and senior members of the federal cabinet.

In a statement issued at the conclusion of the visit, Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Office said the two leaders held “substantive talks” and stressed the importance of expanding cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including investment, energy, infrastructure, information technology and people-to-people exchanges.

“They also agreed on the need to enhance bilateral trade, which has great potential for mutually beneficial growth,” the statement said, adding that the leaders exchanged views on regional and international developments and reaffirmed their commitment to close coordination on issues of shared interest.

Islamabad was adorned with Pakistani and Emirati flags ahead of the visit. Authorities declared a public holiday in the capital and imposed traffic restrictions as state-run and private television channels broadcast live coverage of the ceremonial reception.

Analysts say the talks reflect a shift in the UAE’s economic approach towards Pakistan, moving away from direct financial assistance and bank deposits towards longer-term, sustainable investment partnerships in productive sectors.

Pakistan regards the UAE as one of its closest regional and economic allies. The Gulf state is Islamabad’s third-largest trading partner after China and the United States, and a major source of foreign investment. Emirati investments in Pakistan have exceeded $10 billion over the past two decades, according to the UAE foreign ministry.

Pakistani officials also view the UAE as an attractive export destination due to its geographical proximity, which lowers transportation and freight costs, and as a gateway to wider Middle Eastern and African markets.