UAE, Pakistan presidents meet in Abu Dhabi to boost trade and regional cooperation
Leaders discuss economic partnership and shared development goals
ABU DHABI – President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed Asif Ali Zardari, President of Pakistan, during a working visit to the UAE at Qasr Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.
The leaders held extensive talks on enhancing bilateral relations, with a particular focus on economic, trade, and investment cooperation.
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed expressed appreciation for President Zardari’s commitment to strengthening UAE-Pakistan ties, which have witnessed steady growth in recent years.
Economic partnership
The discussions focused on the ongoing Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) negotiations, which both nations view as a critical step forward in deepening trade and investment relations. Leaders emphasised the importance of creating new partnership opportunities to support mutual prosperity, with both sides seeking innovative approaches to expand economic cooperation.
President Zardari highlighted Pakistan’s keenness to further develop bilateral trade and investment, underlining its potential to contribute to long-term growth and shared development goals.
Regional dialogue
The presidents exchanged views on regional and international developments, highlighting the significance of promoting peace and stability through dialogue and diplomatic solutions. His Highness Sheikh Mohamed noted that Pakistan’s current membership of the United Nations Security Council provides additional avenues for cooperation with the UAE at the UN, reinforcing efforts towards regional and international security.
Discussions emphasised collaboration on issues of mutual interest, reflecting a shared commitment to global stability and constructive diplomacy.
High-level delegation
The Qasr Al Bahr Majlis was attended by senior members of the Abu Dhabi royal family, including His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; Sheikh Saif bin Mohamed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Suroor bin Mohamed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation; Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior; Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; and Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence.
Also present were Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Adviser to the UAE President, along with a number of ministers, senior officials, and members of President Zardari’s accompanying delegation. The presence of these high-level officials underscored the significance both nations place on deepening cooperation and fostering long-term strategic partnerships.
President Zardari was accompanied by his son and former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and daughters, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari and Bakhtawar Bhutto Zardari.
UAE-Pakistan ties
Both leaders reiterated their commitment to continuing dialogue and expanding collaboration across multiple sectors, aiming to create sustainable benefits for their peoples.
The meeting reflected a shared vision of growth, stability, and strengthened partnership, particularly in trade, investment, and diplomatic engagement.