ISLAMABAD, Tuesday, December 23, 2025 (WNP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong and enduring commitment to further strengthening its relations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), inviting greater Emirati investment in key sectors to support Pakistan’s economic growth and long-term stability.

The prime minister expressed these views during a courtesy call by the UAE Ambassador to Pakistan, Salem Mohammed Salem Al Bawab Al Zaabi, at the Prime Minister’s House. The meeting was also attended by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi and Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch.

Prime Minister Sharif underscored the deep-rooted, brotherly ties between Pakistan and the UAE, noting that decades of friendship, mutual respect and close cooperation have defined the bilateral relationship.

He expressed satisfaction over the current volume of bilateral trade, while stressing the need to further expand economic engagement through enhanced trade, increased investment and closer collaboration in priority sectors including energy, minerals, information technology, railways and aviation.

The prime minister also acknowledged the UAE’s consistent support for Pakistan during challenging times, including humanitarian assistance and development initiatives, and expressed appreciation for the role played by the UAE in Pakistan’s socio-economic development.

Conveying his warm regards and best wishes to the UAE leadership, Prime Minister Sharif said he looked forward to the upcoming visit of the President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to Pakistan, which he described as an opportunity to further elevate bilateral ties.

Welcoming Ambassador Al Zaabi, the prime minister congratulated him on his recent appointment and wished him success in his tenure.

Ambassador Al Zaabi thanked the prime minister for the warm reception and conveyed greetings and best wishes from President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He reaffirmed the UAE’s strong commitment to deepening its partnership with Pakistan across all sectors and assured the prime minister of his efforts to explore new avenues of cooperation that would deliver tangible benefits for both countries.