Islamabad, March 18, 2024 – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan has underscored the nation’s aspiration for a robust economic partnership with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
In a meeting with UAE Ambassador Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi, held in Islamabad today, Prime Minister Sharif expressed eagerness to leverage the substantial political goodwill between the two countries into tangible economic cooperation.
The meeting commenced with warm felicitations exchanged between the Prime Minister and Ambassador Al-Zaabi. The Ambassador conveyed the sincere regards of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, extending heartfelt congratulations to Prime Minister Sharif on his re-election. He expressed optimism about the continual enhancement of the fraternal relations between Pakistan and the UAE in the forthcoming years.
Recognizing the remarkable transformation of the UAE into a vibrant hub for commerce, tourism, and investment, Prime Minister Sharif articulated Pakistan’s keenness to collaborate closely with the UAE. He emphasized the pivotal role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council as an effective mechanism designed to attract foreign investment, particularly in priority sectors such as agriculture, minerals and mining, Information Technology, renewable energy, and industry.
Moreover, Prime Minister Sharif commended the UAE for its recent accomplishments on the global stage. He congratulated the nation for its successful hosting of the COP 28 meeting on climate change and applauded its endeavors towards fostering peace, notably in Gaza, during its tenure as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude towards the UAE for hosting nearly 1.8 million Pakistani expatriates, who serve as a vital bridge connecting the two nations.
In response, Ambassador Al-Zaabi reaffirmed his country’s unwavering commitment to Pakistan and expressed readiness to collaborate closely with Prime Minister Sharif’s government to strengthen bilateral ties further. He extended a cordial invitation on behalf of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for Prime Minister Sharif to visit the UAE at his earliest convenience, which was graciously accepted. In return, Prime Minister Sharif extended a reciprocal invitation to the President of the UAE to visit Pakistan, assuring a warm and hospitable reception from the Pakistani people.
The exchange between Prime Minister Sharif and Ambassador Al-Zaabi underscores the shared vision of Pakistan and the UAE to elevate their bilateral relations to new heights. As both nations continue to foster mutual cooperation and understanding, the prospect of a deeper economic partnership holds the promise of unlocking vast opportunities for prosperity and development on both sides.
The forthcoming visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to the UAE and the anticipated reciprocal visit by the President of the UAE to Pakistan symbolize the enduring bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries. With a shared commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity, Pakistan and the UAE are poised to embark on a journey of enhanced collaboration, paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for their citizens.
