Abu Dhabi (TDI): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar and his Emirati counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan agreed to boost cooperation in trade, investment, energy, and other sectors amid Pakistan’s efforts to revive its $350 billion economy.
During a meeting in in Abu Dhabi, the two leaders also discussed strengthening Pakistan-UAE bilateral ties.
The UAE is Pakistan’s third largest trading partner after China and the United States.
The UAE is the primary source of foreign investment for Pakistan, valued at over $10 billion in the last 20 years, as per the UAE’s foreign ministry.
Read More: Prime Minister of Pakistan and President UAE deepen partnership
In recent years, both countries have strengthened their economic relations.
According to data from January 2024, Pakistan and the UAE have signed several agreements worth more than $3 billion for cooperation in railways, economic zones, and infrastructure.
متحدہ عرب امارات کے نائب وزیراعظم وزیر خارجہ جناب الشيخ عبداللہ بن زايد آل نهيان نے پاکستان کے نائب وزیراعظم اور وزیر خارجہ جناب سینیٹر محمد اسحاق ڈار کا استقبال کیا اور متحدہ عرب امارات اور پاکستان کے درمیان مختلف شعبوں میں خاص طور پر تجارت اور اقتصاد میں دوطرفہ تعاون کو بڑھانے… pic.twitter.com/RwKxp5tP1q
— UAE Embassy PK (@uaeembassyisb) February 21, 2025
The Foreign Office of Pakistan said after the meeting between Dar and his Emirati counterpart, ”Both leaders considered pathways to increase bilateral cooperation across key sectors such as trade, investment, energy, defence, and people-to-people connections.”
The emphasized the importance of maintaining regular high-level engagements to strengthen bilateral ties and coordinate on regional and international matters of mutual concern.
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This development adjusts to Islamabad’s ongoing efforts to expand trade and investment partnerships, particularly with Central Asian and Gulf nations, as Pakistan is struggling for economic recovery following the verting default in June 2023.
During the meeting, Dar underlined Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its long-standing partnership with the UAE.
He highlighted the vital role played by the Pakistani diaspora, describing them as a key bridge between the two nations.
In response, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan stressed the UAE’s strong commitment to increase its strategic relations with Pakistan.
He acknowledged Pakistan’s contributions to regional stability and appreciated the positive role of the Pakistani community in the UAE’s development.
