Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi’s First Historical Visit Strengthens Pakistan-UAE Ties
Islamabad: The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, arrived in Pakistan on Thursday for his first official visit. He was warmly received by President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and other senior officials at Nur Khan Airbase. Traditional cultural performances and flag-waving by children marked the warm reception.
The Crown Prince was honored with a guard of honor at the Prime Minister’s House, where he was greeted by Prime Minister Sharif. The national anthems of both nations were played, and the Prince reviewed a smartly turned-out contingent of Pakistan’s armed forces.
During the visit, discussions between Sheikh Khaled and Prime Minister Shehbaz focused on strengthening the long-standing bilateral ties between Pakistan and the UAE, particularly in trade, investment, and energy cooperation. The two leaders also witnessed the signing of multiple agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in key sectors, including banking, mining, infrastructure development, and railways. Notable agreements included a banking cooperation deal, an MoU to boost the mining sector, and documents related to the development of the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway project, which both countries view as a game changer for regional connectivity.
The Crown Prince’s delegation, which includes senior officials and business leaders, is expected to foster greater economic and investment opportunities between the two nations. Both sides expressed a strong commitment to deepening their collaboration, with particular emphasis on further enhancing economic ties and infrastructure development.
Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed his honor in welcoming the Crown Prince and reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to strengthen bilateral relations, calling the visit a significant step towards growing ties with the UAE.
