Islamabad, February 28, 2025 – The Europe Today: Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, held official talks with Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, on Thursday at the Prime Minister’s Office in Islamabad. The discussions reaffirmed the strong bilateral ties between the two nations and emphasized their mutual commitment to enhancing strategic partnerships across key economic and developmental sectors.
During the meeting, Sheikh Khaled underscored the importance of deepening UAE-Pakistan cooperation, highlighting the significant milestones already achieved. He emphasized the shared vision of both nations’ leadership, recognizing economic and developmental collaboration as pivotal in driving sustainable growth.
Sheikh Khaled arrived in Islamabad on an official visit, representing President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Upon arrival at Nur Khan Air Base, he was warmly welcomed by Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, and senior officials. An official reception ceremony was held, including the playing of national anthems and a review of the guard of honor.
Strengthening Strategic Partnerships
Sheikh Khaled reaffirmed that the UAE-Pakistan strategic partnership serves as a model of impactful collaboration, particularly in infrastructure, natural resource exploration, and financial sector investments. He highlighted these efforts as key enablers of sustainable economic growth and strengthened trade relations.
Signing of Key Agreements
On the sidelines of the meeting, Sheikh Khaled and Prime Minister Sharif witnessed the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and strategic cooperation agreements:
- Railway Expansion: Etihad Rail and Pakistan’s Ministry of Railways signed MoUs to enhance the operational efficiency of Pakistan’s railway network and establish a new rail system to improve connectivity and mobility.
- Mining Collaboration: An agreement was signed between International Resources Holding (IRH), a subsidiary of 2PointZero under International Holding Company (IHC), and Mari Energies to initiate a joint copper and gold exploration project in the Chagai district of Balochistan.
- Banking Sector Investment: Eve Holding RCS, a subsidiary of 2PointZero, committed to acquiring an 82.64% stake in First Women Bank Limited (FWBL), reinforcing financial sector cooperation.
- Economic Zone Development: AD Ports Group and the Pakistan Board of Investment signed an MoU to explore the development of a Special Economic Zone near Karachi Port and Port Qasim to boost trade and economic activities in the region.
High-Level Delegation Participation
The high-level discussions were attended by key UAE officials, including Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of 2PointZero; Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court; Ali Mohammed Hammad Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for National Security; Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Minister of Investment; and other senior dignitaries.
This visit marks a significant step in strengthening UAE-Pakistan relations, fostering deeper economic ties, and reinforcing long-term strategic collaboration in multiple sectors.
