Islamabad hosted a significant diplomatic occasion as Pakistan and UAE reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen bilateral ties through the signing of five important agreements.
The accords were made official during Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s first official visit to Pakistan at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The visit marked a new chapter in Pakistan-UAE relations focusing on business, infrastructure development, railways, mining and cultural cooperation.
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The Crown Prince was warmly received on his arrival with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and First Lady Aseefa Bhutto personally receiving him at Nur Khan Airbase. A guard of honor was followed by the national anthems. Cultural performances were also staged in honor of friendships that have blossomed between Pakistan and UAE through the years.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif welcomes the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi H.E. Sheikh Khalid Bin Muhammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan at Noor Khan Base in Islamabad.
— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) February 27, 2025
February 27, 2025. pic.twitter.com/LGSUM48dwR
Later on, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan had a one-on-one meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif after which delegation level talks took place. In their discussions, the leaders underscored the necessity of making strong political relations a basis for the economic partnership that should be imbued with mutual benefit.
Details of Five Agreements Signed Between UAE & Pakistan
Pakistan and the UAE signed five crucial agreements for enhancing bilateral cooperation in banking, railways, mining and infrastructure development. The accords were exchanged at a formal ceremony attended by federal ministers, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, and senior UAE officials.
An agreement was signed to promote collaboration in the banking sector with Secretary Finance Imdadullah Bosal and CEO & MD of IHC Syed Basar Shueb exchanging documents. Another agreement aimed at strengthening the mining sector was signed by senior representatives of both nations.
Cooperation in railways was also a major focus as Pakistan Railways CEO Amir Ali Baloch and Etihad Rail CEO Shadi Malik formalized two agreements in the sector. Additionally, infrastructure development was a key area of interest with Secretary Board of Investment Nadeem Chaudhary and CEO AD Ports Capt. Muhammad Juma Al Shamisi signed an MoU to enhance investment in the field.
Sheikh Khaled expressed his country’s firm commitment to expanding cooperation with Pakistan emphasizing that the MoUs reflect the trust and long-standing ties between the two nations. The visit included a meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr where both leaders reiterated their commitment toward further strengthening bilateral relations.
In particular, President Zardari conferred upon the Crown Prince the Nishan-i-Pakistan award, the highest civilian award in the country in recognition of his services to the development of economic and trade relations.
The visit along with the agreements signed during the event is a manifestation of the shared vision of both countries for economic growth and a strong diplomatic bond. This would obviously lead to strengthened cooperation in many areas which would contribute towards regional stability and prosperity.
