Pakistan, UAE reaffirm close ties as top envoy completes tenure

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif received the outgoing Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Pakistan, Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Al-Zaabi, at the Prime Minister House on Monday evening.

Defence Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kiyani, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi and Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch were also present.

The prime minister congratulated the envoy on completing his tenure in Pakistan and thanked him for his services in advancing the relationship between Pakistan and the UAE. He paid tribute to the leadership of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, for his role in deepening the two countries’ fraternal bonds.

Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the momentum achieved in recent months, citing important developments such as the visits of Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The convening of the Pakistan-UAE Joint Ministerial Commission and the operationalisation of the visa abolition agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders were also described as key milestones.

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The premier further noted that he looked forward to welcoming Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on an official visit to Pakistan, expected to provide a fresh impetus to the growing partnership.

Ambassador Al-Zaabi, who has completed a nine-year tenure, expressed gratitude for the support and friendship extended by the Government and people of Pakistan. He said the relationship between the leadership and peoples of the two countries remained unique and affirmed his commitment to continue working towards even stronger ties in the future.