PM Shehbaz, UAE president call for expanding bilateral investment, economic cooperation

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and United Arab Emirates (UAE) President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Friday underscored the importance of expanding collaboration in economic cooperation, investment, energy, infrastructure development, IT, technology and people-to-people exchanges.

The discussion took place during a meeting between the UAE president and PM Shehbaz, hours after the former arrived on his first official visit to Pakistan. On this occasion, they also agreed on the need to enhance bilateral trade, which had great potential for mutually beneficial growth, the Prime Minister Office (PMO) said.

Their discussions focused on exchange of views on further strengthening the longstanding fraternal relations between Pakistan and the UAE. The two leaders reviewed the progress achieved in ongoing areas of cooperation and also explored avenues to deepen engagement across a wide range of sectors.

“The two leaders also exchanged views on important regional and international developments and reaffirmed their shared commitment to continue close coordination on matters of mutual interest,” the PMO said.

While expressing their satisfaction with the positive trajectory of bilateral relations, the two leaders reiterated their determination to continue to work together closely to advance the shared objective of peace, stability, and sustainable development.

Islamabad declares holiday on UAE president’s arrival

Earlier, President Sheikh Mohamed, accompanied by a high-level delegation, including ministers and senior officials, arrived in Islamabad at the invitation of PM Shehbaz.

The premier, Deputy Prime Minister Senator Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir received the distinguished guest at Nur Khan Airbase. Other senior members of the Cabinet and government officials were also present to receive the UAE dignitary.

The ruler of Abu Dhabi was greeted with the greatest warmth and cordial welcome upon his arrival. A formation of JF-17 fighter jets escorted the Royal aircraft as it entered Pakistani airspace.

Besides 21-gun salute, a smartly turned out contingent of the armed forces presented guard of honour to the visiting dignitary.

The visit of the UAE president will further consolidate the deep brotherly ties between Pakistan and the UAE and contribute to further strengthening of their strategic partnership, said the PMO.

The UAE president has left for his country after completing the one-day visit.

Govt releases welcome song

The government of Pakistan has released a special welcome song to mark the first official visit of the UAE president to Pakistan.

The song features visuals of the UAE president’s arrival in Pakistan, his ceremonial reception and warm moments of greeting with PM Shehbaz, including a handshake and embrace, APP reported.

It also shows children presenting flowers to Sheikh Mohamed, adding a symbolic and emotive touch to the welcome.

Titled ‘Ahlan wa Sahlan, Marhaba’, the song reflects the sentiments of goodwill, affection and hospitality extended by the people of Pakistan to the visiting dignitary.

According to officials, the initiative highlights the long-standing friendship between Pakistan and the UAE, underscoring the deep-rooted ties of mutual respect, cooperation and brotherhood shared by the two countries at both governmental and public levels.

The release of the welcome song coincides with the high-level visit aimed at further strengthening bilateral relations and reinforcing collaboration across key areas of mutual interest.