Islamabad (TDI): United Arab Emirates President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Friday concluded his maiden official visit to Pakistan after holding what officials described as “substantive talks” with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the discussions focused on further strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across multiple sectors. The two leaders reviewed progress in ongoing areas of collaboration and explored new avenues for deepening engagement.
Both sides underscored the importance of enhancing cooperation in economic development, investment, energy, infrastructure, information technology, and technology-driven sectors, as well as promoting people-to-people exchanges. They also emphasized the need to boost bilateral trade and exchanged views on key regional and international developments.
President Al Nahyan and Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirmed their shared commitment to maintaining close coordination on matters of mutual interest and expressed satisfaction with the positive trajectory of Pakistan-UAE relations. They reiterated their resolve to continue working together to promote peace, stability, and sustainable development.
Read More: UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Arrives in Islamabad on First Official Visit
The UAE president arrived in Islamabad earlier in the day on a one-day official visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz. As his aircraft entered Pakistani airspace, it was escorted by Pakistan Air Force fighter jets as a mark of welcome.
At Nur Khan Airbase, President Al Nahyan was received by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, federal ministers, and senior government officials. A ceremonial reception was held, including the playing of national anthems, a 21-gun salute, and a guard of honour presented by contingents of the Pakistan Armed Forces.
Military and traditional bands performed during the ceremony, while children dressed in traditional attire waved the flags of Pakistan and the UAE along the reception route.
President Al Nahyan was accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising his advisers Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, as well as UAE Ambassador to Pakistan Salem Mohammed Al Zaabi. Several UAE federal ministers and senior officials were also part of the delegation.
Read More: Pakistan and UAE Strengthen Ties, Focus on Trade and Economic Cooperation
According to the Foreign Office, this marked Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s first official visit to Pakistan as UAE president, though he had previously visited the country on a private trip in January this year. The FO noted that the visit provided an important opportunity to further strengthen the longstanding brotherly relations between the two countries.
In view of the visit, the government declared a public holiday in Islamabad. The Islamabad High Court, district courts, Senate Secretariat, National Assembly Secretariat, and the Federal Constitutional Court remained closed for the day. However, banks and essential services, including the Capital Development Authority, police, IESCO, and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited, continued operations.
