DUBAI: In a significant diplomatic engagement, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), met with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, in Islamabad on Sunday.
The discussions centred on reinforcing bilateral relations and identifying new avenues for collaboration. The two leaders underscored the depth of the historic ties between the UAE and Pakistan, reiterating their shared commitment to strategic cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
The high-level meeting culminated in the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding and one formal agreement between the nations, reinforcing the robust nature of their partnership.
Strengthening diplomacy
A key outcome of the meeting was the MoU on the formation of a Joint Committee for Consular Affairs, signed by Sheikh Abdullah and Ishaq Dar. The committee will serve as a platform for addressing consular matters, enhancing services for nationals of both countries, and streamlining administrative procedures.
Cultural exchange
Further cementing cultural relations, an agreement focused on cooperation in the cultural sector was inked. This aims to facilitate exchange programmes, joint events, and knowledge sharing between cultural institutions of the two nations, building stronger people-to-people connections.
UAE-Pakistan trade ties
In another pivotal development, an MoU was exchanged concerning the establishment of a UAE-Pakistan Joint Business Council. The document was exchanged by Saeed Mubarak Al Hajeri, UAE Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Economic and Trade Affairs, and Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
The business council is expected to create new channels for investment, foster collaboration between private sectors, and support economic integration in line with both countries' development visions.
The UAE delegation also included Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State; Ahmed Abdullah Al Balooshi, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability; and Hamad Obaid Al Zaabi, UAE Ambassador to Pakistan.