The Prime Minister is currently in the UAE, accompanied by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, on a two-day visit at the invitation of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to attend the World Government Summit (WGS) in Dubai.
A statement from the Foreign Office (FO) indicated that this is the Prime Minister’s second visit to the UAE since taking office in March 2024.
The FO’s statement highlighted that both leaders emphasized the importance of further strengthening the strong relationship between their nations. The discussions focused on cooperation in economic, trade, and development sectors, as well as other areas aligning with both countries’ goals for sustainable growth and prosperity. They agreed to designate 2025 as a “year of action.”
The meeting also underscored the significance of the World Government Summit in identifying global governance trends and offering strategies to improve government preparedness in navigating global changes. Both leaders emphasized the need to leverage these shifts to accelerate development and create a brighter future for all.
In addition, the two sides discussed regional and international issues of mutual concern, particularly recent developments in the Middle East. They emphasized the importance of increasing international efforts to secure a comprehensive and lasting peace in Palestine based on the two-state solution, which is crucial for regional security, stability, and peace.
Separately, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met with Khalifa Al Shamsi, the CEO of the UAE’s e& group (formerly Etisalat), inviting the company to invest further in Pakistan’s telecom sector.
e& currently holds 26% of PTCL’s shares, with the Government of Pakistan owning the majority at 62%, while the remaining 12% is publicly traded on the Pakistan Stock Exchange.
A press release from the Deputy Prime Minister’s office noted that Dar discussed Pakistan’s favorable investment policies and invited e& to increase its investments in the country’s telecom industry.
Khalifa Al Shamsi acknowledged Pakistan’s significance as a growing market in the region, praising the country’s efforts to create a business-friendly environment.
In January, during a meeting in Rahim Yar Khan, PM Shehbaz and UAE President Sheikh Al Nahyan discussed potential collaborations in Pakistan’s minerals and agriculture sectors.
Pakistan and the UAE enjoy strong diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties, reinforced by historical relations and a large Pakistani expatriate community in the UAE. The UAE is one of Pakistan’s largest trading partners and a major source of remittances, with thousands of Pakistanis employed in various sectors. The two nations also cooperate on defense, energy, and investment projects, with the UAE frequently providing financial aid and humanitarian assistance to Pakistan.