ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday held talks with United Arab Emirates Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, focusing on expanding economic, trade and investment cooperation between Pakistan and the UAE.
During the meeting at Zabeel Palace in Dubai, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening longstanding and brotherly ties, expressing satisfaction over the steady improvement in bilateral relations.
President Zardari congratulated Sheikh Mohammed on completing two decades as Ruler of Dubai and praised the emirate’s transformation into a global hub for tourism, finance and emerging technologies.
The two sides discussed drawing on Dubai’s development experience, particularly in ports, logistics, infrastructure, information technology and digital financial services. The president highlighted Pakistan’s ongoing economic reforms, including privatisation and investment facilitation, and invited greater UAE participation in infrastructure, food security and technology-driven sectors.
The meeting was attended by First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Pakistan’s ambassador to the UAE. President Zardari also extended an invitation to Sheikh Mohammed to visit Pakistan.
Separately, the president met DP World Group Chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to providing fast-track approvals and institutional support for foreign investors. He stressed the importance of cooperation in rail freight modernisation, inland logistics and integrated trade corridors.
Bin Sulayem highlighted Pakistan’s strategic location linking South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East, noting its growing importance in regional and inter-regional trade amid global uncertainty.
Earlier, President Zardari met UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with both leaders reviewing the full spectrum of bilateral relations and exploring new opportunities in trade, energy, infrastructure, technology and people-to-people exchanges. They also discussed regional and international developments, reaffirming their commitment to peace and stability.