Pakistan PM to visit UAE for World Governments Summit

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will pay a two-day official visit to the United Arab Emirates on Feb. 10-11 to participate in the World Governments Summit (WGS) in Dubai, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry announced on Sunday.

The visit comes at the invitation of UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is also the ruler of Dubai.

The World Governments Summit is an annual event that brings together heads of state and government, global policymakers, and leading figures from the private sector to discuss the future of governance, innovation, and international cooperation.

This will be Shehbaz’s second visit to the UAE since assuming office in March 2024. He will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar and other key cabinet members.

The presence of top officials reflects Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its engagement with the UAE and the broader international community.

During the summit, Shehbaz will deliver a keynote address outlining Pakistan’s vision for inclusive economic growth, digital transformation, and governance reforms. The prime minister’s speech is expected to highlight key policy initiatives aimed at modernizing Pakistan’s economy and improving governance structures.

Beyond the summit, the prime minister will hold bilateral meetings with the UAE leadership, reinforcing the strong diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations.

He will also meet with heads of state and government from other participating countries, as well as top executives from multinational companies. These engagements are aimed at fostering economic collaboration and exploring new investment opportunities.

Pakistan and the UAE share a deep-rooted relationship based on mutual trust, understanding, and longstanding cooperation. The UAE remains one of Pakistan’s key economic and strategic partners, with strong collaboration across multiple sectors, including trade, energy, and infrastructure.

A significant aspect of Pakistan’s ties with the UAE is its large expatriate community. The Pakistani diaspora in the UAE is the second-largest overseas Pakistani community in the world, playing a pivotal role in the economic development of both countries.

The visit underscores Pakistan’s commitment to deepening its partnership with the UAE, strengthening economic ties, and identifying new areas of mutual cooperation for long-term prosperity.