Islamabad (TDI): United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in Islamabad on Friday on his first official visit to Pakistan.
Although Sheikh Mohamed visited Pakistan earlier this year and met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Rahim Yar Khan in January, the Foreign Office clarified that Friday’s trip marks his first official visit to the country since assuming office as president.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif received the Emirati president at Nur Khan Airbase. As Sheikh Mohamed’s aircraft entered Pakistani airspace, it was escorted by military jets as a ceremonial gesture of welcome.
An official reception was held on arrival, during which the national anthems of both countries were played, a 21-gun salute was presented, and an honour guard stood in salute to the visiting leader.
The UAE president is accompanied by senior officials, including Adviser to the UAE President Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Adviser Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, UAE Ambassador to Pakistan Salem Mohammed Al Zaabi, as well as ministers and other high-ranking members of the delegation.
Read More: UAE President to Arrive in Pakistan on First Official Visit Today
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed will hold talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to review the full scope of bilateral relations and exchange views on regional and international developments of shared interest.
The Foreign Office said the visit offers an important opportunity to further deepen the long-standing brotherly ties between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, reflecting the strong relationship and mutual commitment to expanding cooperation in trade, investment, energy, development, and regional stability.
Pakistan and the UAE maintain close diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations, strengthened by historical ties and a large Pakistani expatriate community in the Emirates. The UAE is among Pakistan’s largest trading partners and a major source of remittances, with thousands of Pakistanis employed across various sectors.
Read More: Pakistan and UAE Strengthen Ties, Focus on Trade and Economic Cooperation
The two countries also cooperate closely in defense, energy, and investment, with the UAE frequently extending financial and humanitarian assistance to Pakistan. Earlier this year, both sides signed several memoranda of understanding aimed at strengthening people-to-people ties, including agreements on cultural cooperation, consular affairs, and the establishment of a UAE–Pakistan Joint Business Council.
