Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Thursday signed five agreements to enhance bilateral cooperation in various fields, including banking, railways, mining and infrastructural investment.
The signing ceremony took place during the first official visit of Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Pakistan. The crown prince was invited by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The crown prince and the prime minister witnessed the ceremony as officials from both sides exchanged pre-signed documents, including agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs), aimed at fostering cooperation in multiple sectors.
Federal cabinet members, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir and members of the UAE delegation were also present at the event. Both countries signed an agreement to promote bilateral cooperation in the field of banking. Secretary Finance Imdadullah Bosal and International Holdings Company CEO & MD Syed Basar Shueb exchanged the documents. The two sides also signed another agreement to boost cooperation in the field of mining.
Pakistan Railways CEO Amir Ali Baloch and Etihad Rail CEO Shadi Malik exchanged the documents for two MOUs for cooperation in railways. Similarly, Board of Investment Secretary Nadeem Chaudhary and Abu Dhabi Ports CEO Capt Muhammad Juma Al Shamisi exchanged the documents for an MoU on infrastructural investment.
Earlier, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Abu Dhabi Executive Council Chairman Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan called on the prime minister and discussed matters of bilateral interest. The prime minister warmly welcomed the crown prince while reaffirming Pakistan’s resolve to further strengthen its historic and fraternal bonds between Pakistan and the UAE. One-on-one meeting was followed by the delegation-level talks.
Recalling his most productive meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi earlier this month, Shehbaz said that it was a matter of huge satisfaction that the two countries were now working more closely than ever before, to transform their excellent political ties into a mutually beneficial economic partnership.
He said that during his recent visit to Uzbekistan, the project of Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Railway Line was discussed and Uzbekistan showed keen interest in the project. He further said that the project would benefit the ports of Gwadar and Abu Dhabi and would prove to be a gamechanger for the whole region. He lauded the UAE’s consistent and strong support for Pakistan in multiple fields at difficult times. He deeply appreciated the keen interest shown by the UAE in expanding its investment portfolio in Pakistan and remarked that the recent successful investment initiatives between various Pakistani entities and Abu Dhabi Ports were a shining example of this robust and ever-expanding cooperation.
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed, who was accompanied by a delegation comprising senior officials and business leaders, thanked the prime minister and reaffirmed the UAE’s steadfast support for Pakistan’s economic development and prosperity.
Meanwhile, in a post on X, the prime minister said, “Honoured to welcome HH Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, today.
“We held the most fruitful discussions and resolved to further strengthen our excellent bilateral ties, through enhanced trade, investment & energy cooperation. With the encouragement and support of the UAE’s Royal family, Pakistan-UAE ties are growing from strength to strength!”
Separately, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed also met President Asif Ali Zardari at the Aiwan-e-Sadr. During the meeting, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in the areas of business, infrastructure development, culture, and people-to-people contacts. The meeting was attended by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, First Lady and MNA Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and senior government officials.
Welcoming the crown prince, the president highlighted the long-standing people-to-people and cultural ties between Pakistan and the UAE, which span over three generations. He emphasised the need to pass on this legacy to future generations to further cement the historic bond between the two nations. The president commended the remarkable development achieved by the UAE under Abu Dhabi’s dynamic leadership and expressed Pakistan’s appreciation for the UAE’s unwavering support and cooperation in various sectors. He also stressed the importance of fostering closer economic and trade relations and invited the UAE investors to explore new opportunities in Pakistan’s emerging sectors.
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed reiterated the UAE’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with Pakistan. He noted that the Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed during his visit reflected the trust and enduring relations between the two countries.
Later, President Zardari conferred the Nishan-i-Pakistan, Pakistan’s highest civil award, upon Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled in recognition of his services and unwavering support to Pakistan. The special investiture ceremony was held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr.
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed has played a pivotal role in promoting economic, trade, and investment cooperation between Pakistan and the UAE. His leadership has facilitated significant investment initiatives in Pakistan’s economy, aimed at boosting key sectors such as infrastructure, energy, healthcare and technology, contributing to Pakistan’s socio-economic progress.
