Shahbaz Sharif, UAE President Sheikh Mohammed discuss defence, trade

RAHIM YAR KHAN: Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation across various sectors, including defence, and exchanged views on regional affairs.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the meeting took place at Sheikh Zayed Palace in Rahim Yar Khan.

The statement said the meeting was held in a “very pleasant and friendly atmosphere,” and the two leaders continued discussions on matters agreed upon during their previous meeting in Islamabad on December 26, 2025.

It said that the meeting was part of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s first official visit to Pakistan as UAE President.

Prime Minister Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to turning the long-standing, brotherly ties with the UAE into a strong, strategic, and mutually beneficial economic partnership.

Breaking: PM Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at Sheikh Zayed Palace, Rahim Yar Khan, reaffirming plans to elevate Pakistan–UAE ties into a strategic economic partnership. Leaders discussed boosting trade and cooperation in IT, energy,… pic.twitter.com/CXi9V5RTtY

— Waseem Abbasi (@Wabbasi007) December 30, 2025

He also stressed the need for a significant increase in bilateral trade, noting that progress in this area would benefit both countries.

The leaders held detailed discussions on opportunities to expand collaboration in sectors such as information technology, energy, mining and minerals, and defence.

The statement highlighted that the prime minister appreciated the UAE’s remarkable development under Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s dynamic and visionary leadership and thanked him for his personal interest and patronage in strengthening Pakistan-UAE relations.

He also expressed gratitude to the UAE leadership for hosting over 2.1 million Pakistanis residing in the Emirates, acknowledging their important role in deepening ties between the two countries.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the meeting also covered regional and global issues, reflecting the strong and enduring relations between the two brotherly nations.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant to Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi and other senior officials were also present.