Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Friday held “substantive talks” focused on further strengthening the longstanding fraternal relations between the two countries, said a statement after the conclusion of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s first official visit to the country.
This is the second time the Emirati president is visiting Pakistan this year, having met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Rahim Yar Khan in January. However, Friday’s trip is his first official visit as president, according to the Foreign Office.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif meets the UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan in Islamabad on 26 December 2025. — Mohammed bin Zayed X
The two sides also reaffirmed their shared commitment to continue close coordination on matters of mutual interest and exchanged views on important regional and international developments.
The statement added that while expressing satisfaction with the positive trajectory of bilateral relations, the “two leaders reiterated their determination to continue to work together closely to advance the shared objective of peace, stability, and sustainable development”.
“The visit of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan will further consolidate the deep brotherly ties between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates and contribute to further strengthening of their strategic partnership,” said the statement.
During the discussions between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Al Nahyan, expanding collaboration in economic cooperation, investment, energy, infrastructure development, IT, technology and people-to-people exchanges was also discussed.
“They also agreed on the need to enhance bilateral trade, which had great potential for mutually beneficial growth,” added the statement.
The Emirati president was “greeted with the greatest warmth and cordial welcome upon his arrival”.
“A formation of JF-17 fighter jets escorted the Royal aircraft as it entered Pakistani airspace,” said the statement.
Earlier today, President Al Nahyan reached Islamabad and was received by PM Shehbaz at the Nur Khan airbase.
UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan is received by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at Nur Khan airbase. — Mohammed bin Zayed X
Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir greeted the Emirati president as well, televised footage showed. Also present to welcome the president was Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
Upon his arrival, President Al Nahyan was presented with a 21-gun salute from a contingent of the armed forces at an official reception held in his honour, state-run Radio Pakistan reported.
