Abu Dhabi, UAE – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is currently addressing a roundtable session with shareholders of the IT community in Abu Dhabi, emphasizing the purpose of his visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is not to seek loans but to foster collaboration and investment.
Arrival and Reception
Upon his arrival in Abu Dhabi, PM Shehbaz was welcomed by UAE Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The warm reception also included Pakistani Ambassador to UAE Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Emirati envoy to Pakistan Hamad Obaid Ibrahim, and senior officials from both nations.
Objectives of the Visit
The Prime Minister’s visit aims to deepen trade and investment ties between Pakistan and the UAE. Highlighting the visit as “short but important,” PM Shehbaz expressed his optimism for a fruitful exchange of views with UAE leadership to strengthen the historic and brotherly relations between the two countries.
Key Meetings and Discussions
During his day-long visit, PM Shehbaz is expected to meet UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The discussions will primarily focus on enhancing bilateral relations, with special attention to trade and investment opportunities. Additionally, the Prime Minister is scheduled to meet other Emirati dignitaries, businesspersons, and heads of financial institutions.
Delegation Accompanying the Prime Minister
PM Shehbaz is accompanied by key cabinet members, including Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, and Special Assistant to PM Tariq Fatemi. This delegation underscores the importance of the visit and the wide-ranging areas of cooperation to be discussed.
Significance of the Visit
The visit marks PM Shehbaz’s first trip to the UAE since assuming office after the February 8 general elections. It follows a series of high-level exchanges between Pakistan and the UAE, reinforcing the deep-rooted fraternal relations between the two countries. The Foreign Office (FO) highlighted that these high-level exchanges are a distinguishing feature of the strong ties between Pakistan and the UAE.
Historical Context
PM Shehbaz’s previous visits to the UAE include a trip in July 2023 during his previous term as prime minister to console the UAE President on the death of his brother, Sheikh Saeed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and a two-day visit in January 2023 to strengthen economic, trade, and investment ties.
