ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Thursday signed five agreements to enhance bilateral cooperation in various fields, including banking, railways, mining and infrastructural investment.
During the first official visit of Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Pakistan, the signing ceremony was held. It was Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif who invited the crown prince. With officials from both parties passing pre-documented papers including agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) meant to encourage cooperation in several fields, the crown prince and the prime minister observed the ceremony.
The UAE delegation, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir and federal islet members were present at the gathering. Both nations have agreed to advance bilateral cooperation in banking by means of a treaty. Secretary Finance Imdadullah Bosal and International Holdings Company CEO & Managing Director Syed Basar Shueb shared the papers. The two sides signed also a second accord meant to increase collaboration in mining.
Amir Ali Baloch, CEO of Pakistan Railways, and Shadi Malik, CEO of Etihad Rail, swapped the files for two railway cooperation memoranda of understanding. The papers for a memorandum of understanding on infrastructure investment also passed between Board of Investment Secretary Nadeem Chaudhary and Capt Muhammad Juma Al Shamisi, Abu Dhabi Ports CEO.
Earlier, the prime minister was visited by Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Abu Dhabi Executive Council Chairman Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to talk bilateral issues. Reconfirming Pakistan’s determination to deepen its centuries old and brotherly ties between Pakistan and the UAE, the prime minister warmly greeted the crown prince. The delegation level discussions came next after the one-on-one encounter.
Shehbaz remembered his most successful meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi earlier this month and said it was greatly satisfying that the two countries were now cooperating more than ever before to convert their excellent political relationships into a mutually beneficial economic partnership.
During his most recent visit to Uzbekistan, he noted that the Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan Railway Line project was under discussion and Uzbekistan was quite enthusiastic. Moreover, he stated the initiative would help the ports of Gwadar and Abu Dhabi and could well change the entire region. At tough times, he praised the UAE for its unswerving and strong support of Pakistan in many areas. He remarked that the recent profitable investment projects between several Pakistani businesses and Abu Dhabi Ports were an excellent illustration of this strong and constantly expanding collaboration and deeply valued the UAE’s keen interest in diversifying its investment portfolio in Pakistan.
The prime minister was thanked by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed, who was traveling with a group of corporate executives and senior officials, and the UAE’s unwavering support for the economic growth and welfare of Pakistan was restated.
In a X post, the prime minister added, “Honored to welcome HH Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, today.
Through increased trade, investment & energy cooperation, we have had the most productive conversations and decided to fortify our already strong bilateral links. The Pakistan UAE relationship is going from power to power with the support of the United Arab Emirates Royal Family!”
On their own, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed also visited President Asif Ali Zardari at the AiwaneSadr. At the meeting, both nations again stated their promise to improve bilateral ties particularly in regard of commerce, infrastructure development, society, and peopletopeople contacts. First Lady and MNA Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and top government personnel were present at the meeting as were Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
In welcoming the crown prince, the president emphasized the centuriesold peopletopeople and cultural connections between Pakistan and the UAE. He emphasized the importance of bequeathing this legacy to next generations to help to solidify the historical link between the two countries. The president lauded the astounding growth the UAE under Abu Dhabi’s energetic leadership had realized, and he thanked the UAE for its consistent help and cooperation in several fields. He also underlined the need of encouraging closer trade and economic ties and asked the UAE investors to investigate fresh possibilities in the developing industries of Pakistan.
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed restated the UAE’s dedication to improving Pakistan cooperation. He observed that the Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) inked during his trip showed the trust and long relationship between the partner nations.
In appreciation of his services and unyielding support to Pakistan, President Zardari later bestowed the NishaniPakistan, Pakistan’s top civilian award, upon Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled. The unique investiture ceremony was conducted at the AiwaneSadr.
Promoting financial, commerce, and investment cooperation between Pakistan and UAE, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed has been instrumental. His guidance has enabled important economic investment projects in Pakistan meant to support vital industries including technology, energy, healthcare, and infrastructure, therefore helping Pakistan to advance socially as well as economically.
For more details on the latest developments in Pakistan-UAE relations, check out Socioon Blog.
