Islamabad, February 27, 2025: Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed multiple memorandums of understanding (MoUs) on Thursday to enhance cooperation across various sectors, including banking, mining, railways, and infrastructure.
The agreements were formalized during the maiden visit of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who arrived in Pakistan at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Upon arrival, he was accorded a guard of honour at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad, where he was received by PM Shehbaz and President Asif Ali Zardari.
In recognition of his efforts to strengthen Pak-UAE ties, President Zardari conferred the Nishan-e-Pakistan, the country’s highest civilian award, on the crown prince during a special ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr. The event was attended by PM Shehbaz, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani, parliamentarians, diplomats, and senior officials.
Accompanied by a high-level delegation, including ministers, senior officials, and prominent business leaders, Sheikh Khaled’s visit underscores the deep-rooted fraternal ties between Pakistan and the UAE and reflects their shared commitment to expanding economic cooperation.
During his stay, the crown prince will engage in wide-ranging discussions with Pakistani leadership to explore mutual interests, strengthen historical bonds, and promote trade and investment. Several agreements signed during the visit will further solidify long-term collaboration across multiple sectors.
“These commitments are expected to open new avenues for joint ventures and projects, fostering deeper economic cooperation between both nations,” the Foreign Office stated.
Pakistan and the UAE have historically enjoyed a strong relationship based on mutual respect, trust, and shared aspirations. The Foreign Office emphasized that Sheikh Khaled’s visit reaffirms the two countries’ commitment to elevating their partnership and enhancing people-to-people ties.
Last month, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan also visited Pakistan, receiving a warm welcome in Rahim Yar Khan from PM Shehbaz, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and other officials.
