ISLAMABAD, Monday, August 25, 2025 (WNP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday bid farewell to the outgoing Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Pakistan, Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Al-Zaabi, praising his role in further strengthening the “deep-rooted, fraternal” ties between the two nations.

The envoy, who completed a nine-year tenure in Pakistan, called on the prime minister at the PM House, where Defence Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kiyani, Special Assistant to the PM Tariq Fatemi, and Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch were also present.

Lauding the leadership of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Prime Minister Shehbaz said recent high-level exchanges had given new momentum to bilateral cooperation.

He cited the visits of UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the convening of the Pakistan-UAE Joint Ministerial Commission, and the operationalization of the visa abolition agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders as key milestones.

The prime minister also expressed anticipation for an early official visit by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Pakistan, which he said would “lend further impetus” to bilateral ties.

Ambassador Al-Zaabi, in his remarks, thanked the government and people of Pakistan for their support during his tenure, stressing that he was “deeply appreciative of the warmth and friendship” extended to him. He pledged to continue working for stronger Pakistan-UAE relations in the years ahead.