ISLAMABAD: UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan will arrive in Pakistan today to review bilateral ties, discuss regional issues and expand cooperation in trade, investment, energy and development, Pakistan’s foreign office said on Wednesday.
Sheikh Mohamed will make his first official visit to Pakistan as UAE president. He will arrive with a high-level delegation that includes ministers and senior officials, the statement said.
The foreign office said the visit reflects the strength of Pakistan-UAE relations and the shared commitment to deepen cooperation in key sectors. It said both sides aim to boost collaboration in trade, investment, energy, development and regional stability.
Sheikh Mohamed will meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to review the full spectrum of bilateral ties. The two leaders will also exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
“The visit will further strengthen the longstanding brotherly relations between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates,” the foreign office said.
The announcement comes a day after Prime Minister Sharif met UAE Ambassador Salem Mohammed Salem Al Zaabi in Islamabad. Sharif urged both countries to expand cooperation in trade and investment.
Pakistan counts the UAE among its closest economic and regional partners. The Gulf state is Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner, after China and the United States.
Pakistani policymakers see the UAE as a key export destination due to its proximity. Shorter distances reduce freight costs and ease commercial activity.
Pakistan and the UAE have signed several agreements worth billions of dollars in recent years. Islamabad is seeking deeper economic engagement with Gulf countries.
In January 2024, the two countries signed agreements worth more than $3 billion. The deals covered railways, economic zones and infrastructure.
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The UAE is also a major investor in Pakistan. UAE investment has exceeded $10 billion over the past two decades, according to the UAE foreign ministry.
