ISLAMABAD, Monday, June 16, 2025 (WNP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday said Pakistan is eager to learn from the United Arab Emirates’ modern governance model, which has helped position the Gulf nation among the world’s developed countries.

The prime minister made the remarks during a meeting with a high-level UAE delegation led by Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Knowledge Exchange. The delegation also included UAE Ambassador Hamad Obaid Al Zaabi and senior officials from the Government Knowledge Exchange Office.

Highlighting Pakistan’s recent administrative reforms—including digitization, a paperless economy, and a faceless customs system—Prime Minister Shehbaz said Islamabad is committed to enhancing governance and data-driven decision-making. He underscored the value of emulating the UAE’s best practices to make these initiatives more effective.

Recalling his meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during a previous visit to Abu Dhabi, the prime minister noted the UAE’s instrumental role in easing regional tensions, particularly between Pakistan and India.

Lootah reaffirmed the UAE’s longstanding brotherly ties with Pakistan and acknowledged the significant contributions of the Pakistani community to the UAE’s development. He expressed the UAE’s willingness to share knowledge and experience in governance and institutional development.

Later, Prime Minister Shehbaz and Lootah witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two countries, aimed at enhancing cooperation in public sector innovation and performance improvement. The MoU covers areas such as good governance, human resource development, development planning, science and technology, and urban planning.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Planning Minister Dr. Ahsan Iqbal, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi were also present at the signing ceremony.

Earlier in the day, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar received the UAE delegation and held detailed discussions on deepening bilateral ties. Both sides reviewed preparations for the upcoming 12th session of the Pakistan-UAE Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC), scheduled to be held in Abu Dhabi.

A high-level meeting chaired by Dar also focused on expanding cooperation in governance, institutional development, and attracting UAE investments in key sectors, including trade, infrastructure, health, and tourism.

Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to advancing strategic and economic partnerships with the UAE across multiple sectors of mutual interest.