ABU DHABI: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday for a two-day official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where he was warmly received by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi.

The Prime Minister's visit comes as part of his participation in the World Governments Summit 2025, being held in Dubai under the theme "Shaping Future Governments." Also present at the meeting was Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, who joined the discussions.

During the meeting at Qasr Al Shati, the leaders engaged in talks aimed at deepening the bilateral relationship between Pakistan and the UAE, exploring avenues to strengthen cooperation in a variety of fields. Both sides expressed a keen interest in enhancing collaboration in economic, trade, and development sectors. The talks provided an opportunity to discuss the alignment of both nations' visions for sustainable economic growth and prosperity. The Prime Minister and UAE President agreed that advancing these areas of mutual interest would contribute to the continued growth of both nations, fostering deeper ties and paving the way for greater future collaboration.

The significance of the World Governments Summit was also underscored in their discussions. The summit, which gathers global leaders and policymakers, provides an essential platform for identifying emerging trends in governance and presenting actionable strategies for improving government responses to global challenges. The leaders highlighted how the summit could play a key role in preparing governments to adapt to transformations in the global landscape, with a particular focus on economic and technological advancements. The bilateral meeting also extended beyond economic cooperation, as the two leaders addressed a number of regional and international issues of mutual concern. A significant portion of their conversation was dedicated to the ongoing situation in the Middle East, where both leaders emphasized the need for international efforts toward achieving peace in Palestine.

They reiterated their commitment to a two-state solution, stressing that a peaceful resolution would be critical to ensuring long-term regional security, stability, and peace.The Prime Minister and President Al Nahyan also discussed the broader context of global diplomacy, stressing the importance of multilateral efforts to address pressing issues such as climate change, security challenges, and economic inequality.

Their discussions reflected a shared desire to work collaboratively to achieve a prosperous, stable, and peaceful future for both nations and the wider region. The Prime Minister's visit to the UAE is a testament to the growing and deepening ties between Pakistan and the UAE. Over the years, both nations have enjoyed strong diplomatic relations, with the UAE being one of Pakistan's largest trading partners and a significant source of foreign direct investment. The presence of a large Pakistani expatriate community in the UAE, alongside the historical bond between the two countries, has further strengthened their relationship.

During his visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is also scheduled to hold additional meetings with various leaders and officials at the World Governments Summit, engaging with heads of state and government, as well as CEOs from multinational companies. The Prime Minister is expected to continue discussing opportunities for economic collaboration and global governance during the summit sessions, further reinforcing Pakistan's commitment to fostering strong international partnerships.