Abdullah bin Zayed receives Pakistani Deputy PM and FM

Focus on enhancing bilateral relations

During the meeting, Sheikh Abdullah and Ishaq Dar discussed the strong bilateral ties between the UAE and Pakistan and explored ways to further strengthen cooperation in various fields to serve shared interests and promote the prosperity and well-being of both nations.

Signing of key agreements

Following their discussions, the two ministers signed the official minutes of the 12th session of the Joint Ministerial Commission. They also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding the mutual exemption of entry visa requirements for citizens of both countries. Additionally, they witnessed the signing of a MoU to establish a joint task force aimed at boosting UAE investments in strategic sectors within Pakistan. This MoU was signed by Mohamed Hassan Al Suwaidi, Minister of Investment, and Tariq Bajwa, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

Another significant agreement was signed concerning cooperation in artificial intelligence and the digital economy. This agreement was signed by Mohamed Hassan Al Suwaidi and Zarar Hashim Khan, Federal Secretary at Pakistan's Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications.

Senior officials in attendance

The joint commission meeting saw the presence of several high-ranking officials, including Mohamed Hassan Al Suwaidi, Minister of Investment; Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State; Saeed Mubarak Al Hajeri, Assistant Foreign Minister for Economic and Trade Affairs; Omran Sharaf, Assistant Foreign Minister for Advanced Science and Technology; and Hamad Obaid Al Zaabi, UAE Ambassador to Pakistan.

Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh led the UAE delegation, while Tariq Bajwa chaired the Pakistani side.

Deepening strategic partnership

In his remarks during the meeting, Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh stated that the Joint Ministerial Commission reflects the deeply rooted strategic partnership between the UAE and Pakistan, a relationship based on decades of cooperation and a shared vision. He expressed appreciation to Mohammad Ishaq Dar for his efforts to enhance bilateral relations and reiterated the UAE's commitment to strengthening collaboration across various sectors of mutual interest.

A longstanding and evolving relationship

Al Sayegh emphasised that Pakistan is a key partner for the UAE, with a distinguished relationship that dates back to the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1971. He noted that the two countries continue to foster strong ties, with non-oil trade reaching over US$8.6 billion in 2024. He concluded by highlighting the enduring partnership between the UAE and Pakistan, grounded in mutual trust and respect, and focused on building a prosperous, forward-looking future for both peoples.