January 16, 2026
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Published by Aeyan Raza
December 26, 2025
Islamabad: Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates on Friday agreed to deepen economic ties and expand bilateral trade, marking a key moment during UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s first official visit to Pakistan.
President Sheikh Mohamed arrived in Islamabad at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and received a grand welcome. His aircraft was escorted by Pakistan Air Force JF-17 fighter jets, while a 21-gun salute, guard of honour, and ceremonial performances highlighted the significance of the visit.
He was received at Nur Khan Airbase by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and senior cabinet members. Children waving Pakistani and UAE flags added colour to the reception.
During high-level talks, Prime Minister Shehbaz and President Sheikh Mohamed reviewed the progress of ongoing cooperation and explored new opportunities across multiple sectors. Both leaders stressed the urgent need to increase bilateral trade, noting its strong potential for mutually beneficial growth.
Key areas discussed included economic cooperation, investment, energy, infrastructure development, information technology, minerals, aviation, and people-to-people exchanges. The two sides agreed that closer private-sector engagement could unlock fresh opportunities for both economies.
The leaders also exchanged views on major regional and international developments. They reaffirmed their commitment to close coordination on issues of mutual concern and expressed satisfaction over the positive direction of bilateral relations.
Both sides reiterated their resolve to work together for peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region.
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, this was Sheikh Mohamed’s first official visit as UAE president, although he visited Pakistan earlier this year on a private trip. Officials said the visit would further strengthen the deep brotherly ties and strategic partnership between the two countries.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz welcomed the visit, calling Pakistan-UAE relations “timeless and exemplary,” and said it was an honour for Pakistan to be chosen for the UAE president’s first official foreign visit.
Pakistan and the UAE share strong diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations, supported by a large Pakistani community in the Emirates. The UAE remains one of Pakistan’s top trading partners and a major source of remittances.
