Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is set to make his first official visit to Pakistan today, accompanied by a delegation of ministers, senior officials, and business leaders. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) stands as Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner, following China and the United States, and has invested over $10 billion in Pakistan over the past two decades.
During the visit, both nations are expected to sign several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) aimed at enhancing cooperation across various sectors. The Pakistani Foreign Office highlighted that these agreements would strengthen the existing framework for long-term collaboration. Discussions will cover mutual interests, economic partnerships, and investment opportunities.
This visit aligns with Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to engage in economic diplomacy with Gulf and Central Asian countries, especially as it navigates economic recovery supported by a $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout program. The UAE’s geographical proximity makes it a strategic export destination for Pakistan, reducing transportation costs and facilitating trade. Additionally, with over a million Pakistani expatriates residing in the UAE, it serves as a significant source of remittances for Pakistan.
In the previous year, Pakistan and the UAE signed agreements exceeding $3 billion, focusing on cooperation in railways, economic zones, and infrastructure development. The crown prince’s visit is anticipated to further solidify these ties and explore new avenues for collaboration.
As Pakistan continues to pursue economic stability, strengthening relationships with key partners like the UAE remains a priority. The outcomes of this visit are expected to have a lasting impact on the bilateral relations between the two nations.
