Pakistan commends UAE’s model of social cohesion and tolerance

Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari praised the United Arab Emirates’ national vision of tolerance and human fraternity during a meeting with UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan on Tuesday.

The meeting, held in Abu Dhabi, saw both sides stress the importance of dialogue, mutual respect and interfaith harmony as foundations for peaceful societies.

Zardari lauded the UAE’s efforts to foster unity among more than 200 nationalities, saying the country has emerged as a global model for social cohesion and coexistence.

The president also paid tribute to the leadership of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, noting that the values of tolerance and inclusivity align closely with Pakistan’s constitutional commitment to interfaith harmony and cultural diversity.

The delegation accompanying Zardari included First Lady and Member of the National Assembly Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Syed Mohsin Naqvi and Pakistan’s ambassador to the UAE, Shafqat Ali Khan.

Zardari arrived in Abu Dhabi on Monday for a four-day official visit. The trip, which runs until Jan. 29, is expected to include meetings with UAE leadership to review bilateral relations and explore ways to deepen cooperation across trade, economic partnership, defense, security and people-to-people ties.

Pakistan and the UAE share close political and economic relations, with Abu Dhabi playing a key role in supporting Islamabad during periods of financial stress through deposits, oil facilities and investment commitments.

The UAE is Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner after China and the United States and is a major destination for Pakistani exports, particularly in food, textiles and construction services. The Gulf state is also home to more than 1.5 million Pakistani expatriates, one of the largest overseas Pakistani communities globally, whose remittances provide vital foreign exchange for Pakistan.

Beyond trade and labor links, Pakistan and the UAE have steadily expanded defense and security cooperation over the years, including military training, joint exercises and collaboration on counter-terrorism and regional security matters.