President Asif Ali Zardari held high-level meetings with the United Arab Emirates leadership in Dubai, focusing on expanding Pakistan-UAE ties through stronger cooperation in trade, investment, and economic development. The discussions highlighted the shared commitment of both countries to deepen their long-standing and brotherly relationship.
During a meeting at Zabeel Palace, President Zardari met Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Both leaders reaffirmed their resolve to enhance further bilateral relations, particularly in the economic, trade, and investment sectors. President Zardari congratulated Sheikh Mohammed on two decades of leadership and praised Dubai’s transformation into a global hub for tourism, finance, and emerging technologies.
The talks included discussions on learning from Dubai’s development experience, especially in ports, logistics, infrastructure, information technology, and digital financial services. President Zardari also highlighted Pakistan’s economic reforms, including investment facilitation and privatisation, and expressed interest in attracting greater UAE participation in infrastructure, food security, and technology-driven industries. He extended a formal invitation to Sheikh Mohammed to visit Pakistan.
The meeting was attended by First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE. Both sides acknowledged the valuable role of the Pakistani community in the UAE in strengthening people-to-people relations.
Separately, President Zardari met Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman and CEO of DP World, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to fast-track approvals and institutional facilitation for partner enterprises. Discussions focused on rail freight modernisation, inland logistics, and integrated trade corridors, aligning with Pakistan’s goal of becoming a regional trade hub.
Earlier, President Zardari also met Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi. Both leaders reviewed cooperation across trade, energy, infrastructure, technology, and regional stability, underscoring the enduring strength of Pakistan-UAE ties.
