UAE and Pakistan strengthen diplomatic ties in Abu Dhabi talks

The UAE and Pakistan strengthened diplomatic coordination Saturday during high-level political consultations that underscored the growing economic and strategic partnership between two key players in South Asian and Middle Eastern geopolitics, the Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.

The second round of political consultations in Abu Dhabi was co-chaired by Reem Ketait, Deputy Assistant Minister for Political Affairs at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Shehryar Akbar Khan, Additional Foreign Secretary at Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The talks highlighted the robust bilateral relationship between the oil-rich Gulf state and Pakistan. Non-oil trade between the countries surpassed $8.6 billion in 2024, reflecting deepening economic ties.

The consultations followed ministerial meetings as part of the 12th UAE-Pakistan Joint Ministerial Commission, which brought together senior foreign affairs officials from both nations.

Both sides discussed regional developments in the Middle East and coordinated positions ahead of Pakistan's assumption of the UN Security Council presidency in July 2025. The UAE welcomed Pakistan's active role as a non-permanent Security Council member and emphasized the importance of continued coordination on international security matters.

The diplomats also reviewed preparations for the 2026 UN Water Conference, which the UAE will co-host with Senegal.

UAE Ambassador to Pakistan Hamad Obaid Alzaabi and Pakistan's Ambassador to the UAE Faisal Niaz Tirmizi attended the consultations along with other officials from both countries.