UAE Crown Prince Visits Pakistan: Agreements Signed in Key Sectors

Report by Syed Farzand Ali

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, visited Pakistan on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in the bilateral relations between the two nations.

During his visit, both countries signed multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements in crucial sectors, including banking, mining, railways, and infrastructure development.

Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in Islamabad at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and was warmly welcomed at Noor Khan Airbase. Following a high-profile meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening economic cooperation and transforming their strong diplomatic ties into meaningful economic partnerships.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude to the UAE for its continuous support towards Pakistan’s economic growth and stability, stating that both nations are working together to maximize mutual benefits.

During the discussions, PM Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the significance of the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway project, a potential game-changer for regional connectivity. The project aims to enhance trade routes, directly benefiting Gwadar and Abu Dhabi ports. Uzbekistan has also expressed strong interest in this initiative.

The signing of MoUs between Pakistani institutions and Abu Dhabi Ports was cited as a prime example of successful and growing cooperation between the two nations. The UAE’s continuous investment in Pakistan is expected to boost economic opportunities, job creation, and regional trade expansion.

In a social media post on platform ‘X’, PM Shehbaz Sharif shared his appreciation for the visit, stating:

“We had productive discussions aimed at strengthening our economic ties in trade, investment, and energy sectors.”

He also emphasized that with the encouragement and support of the UAE’s royal family, the Pakistan-UAE relationship continues to grow stronger.

During his visit, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan also met President Asif Ali Zardari at the Presidential Palace in Islamabad. The meeting was attended including:

• Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar
• PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
• First Lady Asifa Bhutto Zardari

President Asif Ali Zardari praised the historic and cultural ties between Pakistan and the UAE, which span across three generations.

In recognition of his efforts in strengthening bilateral relations, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was honored with ‘Nishan-e-Pakistan’, the country’s highest civil award.

Upon his arrival at Prime Minister House, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was presented with a guard of honor by the Pakistan Armed Forces. His visit was marked by an elaborate welcome ceremony, with Islamabad beautifully decorated with banners and national flags of both countries.

Before departing for the UAE, the Crown Prince was bid farewell by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at Noor Khan Airbase, symbolizing the close friendship between the two nations.

The visit of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is expected to pave the way for enhanced cooperation in trade, infrastructure, and energy sectors, reinforcing Pakistan-UAE relations as a model of strategic partnership in the region.