Pakistan, UAE hail positive trajectory in ties

ISLAMABAD:

President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan paid an official visit to Pakistan on Friday, marking his first visit to the country in his capacity as UAE President, as Islamabad continues to consolidate its strategic, economic and diplomatic engagement with key Gulf partners.

The visit, undertaken at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, comes at a time when Pakistan's relations with the Gulf states have witnessed a renewed surge, driven by expanding cooperation in defence, investment, energy and regional diplomacy.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed was accorded a warm and ceremonial welcome upon his arrival in Islamabad. In a rare display of honour, a formation of JF-17 fighter jets escorted the royal aircraft as it entered Pakistani airspace, underscoring the close defence and security ties between the two countries.

At Nur Khan Airbase, the UAE President was received by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, along with senior cabinet members and government officials.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed held substantive talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during the visit.

The discussions focused on the exchange of views on further strengthening the longstanding fraternal relations between Pakistan and the UAE.

The two leaders reviewed the progress achieved in ongoing areas of cooperation and explored avenues to deepen engagement across a wide range of sectors.

Both sides underscored the importance of expanding collaboration in economic cooperation, investment, energy, infrastructure development, information technology, technology and people-to-people exchanges.

They also agreed on the need to enhance bilateral trade, noting that it holds significant potential for mutually beneficial growth.

In addition to bilateral matters, the leaders exchanged views on important regional and international developments and reaffirmed their shared commitment to continue close coordination on matters of mutual interest.

While expressing satisfaction with the positive trajectory of bilateral relations, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed reiterated their determination to continue working together closely to advance the shared objectives of peace, stability and sustainable development.

The Prime Minister's Office said the visit would further consolidate the deep brotherly ties between Pakistan and the UAE and contribute to strengthening their strategic partnership.

The high-profile visit reflects a broader pattern of intensifying engagement between Pakistan and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, particularly over the past year. I

Islamabad has increasingly looked towards the Gulf not only as a traditional source of economic support and employment for Pakistani expatriates, but also as a strategic partner in defence cooperation, investment-led growth and regional stability.

Pakistan and the UAE share deep-rooted historical, cultural and people-to-people ties.

Millions of Pakistanis live and work in the Emirates, contributing significantly to the UAE's economy while remittances remain a vital pillar of Pakistan's foreign exchange inflows. Over the years, the UAE has also emerged as one of Pakistan's key trading partners and investors.

The visit by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed comes amid renewed diplomatic momentum between Pakistan and major Gulf states.

In recent months, Pakistan has expanded its defence and security dialogue with regional partners, while also actively seeking Gulf investment in infrastructure, energy and technology sectors as part of its broader economic stabilization and reform agenda.

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan's longstanding strategic ally, has also stepped up engagement, with both sides reaffirming defence and security cooperation and exploring new economic initiatives.

Analysts see these developments as part of Pakistan's effort to recalibrate its regional diplomacy, diversify economic partnerships and strengthen ties with countries that play an influential role in regional and global affairs.

Officials familiar with the discussions say the emphasis on investment, energy and infrastructure reflects Pakistan's priority to attract long-term, sustainable capital rather than short-term financial assistance.

The UAE has shown interest in sectors such as renewable energy, ports, logistics, information technology and agriculture, areas where Pakistan sees significant growth potential.

At the same time, defence and security cooperation remains a key pillar of Pakistan-UAE relations. Joint exercises, training exchanges and defence-related collaboration have continued over the years, underpinned by mutual trust and strategic alignment.

The exchange of views on regional and international developments during the meeting also highlights Pakistan and the UAE's shared interest in stability across South Asia, the Middle East and the wider Muslim world. Both countries have traditionally coordinated closely on regional crises and diplomatic initiatives at international forums.

For Islamabad, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed's visit carries symbolic as well as substantive importance. It signals continuity in the UAE's engagement with Pakistan at the highest level and reinforces the message that bilateral ties remain insulated from regional volatility and global economic uncertainty.

The visit also reinforces Pakistan's narrative of being a reliable strategic partner for Gulf states, particularly at a time when the region is undergoing rapid economic transformation and geopolitical realignments.

As Pakistan seeks to stabilize its economy and reposition itself as a hub for trade, transit and investment, closer ties with the UAE and other Gulf partners are increasingly viewed by policymakers as a cornerstone of its external engagement strategy.

The Prime Minister's Office described the visit as a milestone that would further strengthen the brotherly relationship and strategic partnership between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, a relationship that both sides appear keen to deepen in the months ahead.