Pakistan president meets UAE counterpart, discusses trade, investment cooperation

President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari met his United Arab Emirates counterpart Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, with both sides exploring opportunities to expand cooperation in trade and investment.

According to the Pakistani President’s Secretariat, the two leaders agreed to further strengthen bilateral relations between Pakistan and the UAE during the meeting.

They discussed ways to deepen the longstanding, fraternal ties between the two brotherly countries and reviewed all aspects of bilateral cooperation.

Both leaders emphasized exploring new opportunities for cooperation in trade, investment, energy, infrastructure, technology, and people-to-people exchanges.

The meeting highlighted the significant potential for expanding the economic and strategic partnership between Pakistan and the UAE.

Zardari underscored the importance of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s recent visit to Pakistan, calling it a milestone in further enhancing bilateral relations.

The two sides also exchanged views on regional and international developments.

They reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development.

First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari was present at the meeting. Also in attendance were Member of the National Assembly and Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Mohsin Naqvi, and Pakistan’s ambassador to the UAE.

Pakistan and the UAE maintain close political and economic relations. Abu Dhabi has played a pivotal 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. It is a key destination for Pakistani exports, particularly food, textiles, and construction services.

More than 1.5 million Pakistani expatriates live in the UAE. They form one of the largest overseas Pakistani communities and contribute billions of dollars annually in remittances.

Remittances are a crucial source of foreign exchange for Pakistan’s economy. Beyond trade and labor ties, Pakistan and the UAE have steadily expanded defense and security cooperation.

This cooperation includes military training, joint exercises, and collaboration in counterterrorism and regional security matters.