Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Welcomed with Guard of Honour in Islamabad as First Official Visit Begins

Islamabad, February 27 – The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, arrived in Islamabad on his first official visit to Pakistan, where he was warmly received with a guard of honour at the Prime Minister House.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and key government officials welcomed the distinguished guest as both nations seek to strengthen their historical ties and explore new avenues for economic cooperation.

Grand Reception at the Prime Minister House

Upon his arrival, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed was greeted by a contingent of the Pakistan Armed Forces, which presented a ceremonial guard of honour. The national anthems of both countries were played, followed by an inspection of the guard by the Crown Prince. Senior cabinet members, military officials, and diplomats were also present to witness the prestigious occasion.

This visit marks a significant step in fortifying the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The two countries have historically shared strong economic, defense, and cultural ties, with the UAE being one of Pakistan’s major trade and investment partners.

High-Level Bilateral Talks

Following the reception, the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince held one-on-one discussions with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, which were later expanded to include delegations from both sides. The talks focused on strengthening economic cooperation, increasing trade and investment, and exploring joint ventures in energy, infrastructure, and technology sectors.

Pakistan has been keen to attract UAE investments in key industries, particularly in renewable energy, agriculture, and information technology. The UAE has already invested heavily in Pakistan’s banking, telecommunication, and real estate sectors, and further discussions were expected to enhance these collaborations.

Focus on Economic and Energy Cooperation

One of the major agenda points of the visit is energy cooperation. Pakistan, which faces a persistent energy crisis, is looking to expand its partnership with the UAE in renewable energy projects. The UAE, through its companies such as ADNOC and Masdar, has shown interest in supporting Pakistan’s efforts to enhance its energy security.

Additionally, both countries are set to discuss the Pakistan-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Free Trade Agreement, which could open new trade opportunities and further integrate Pakistan into the regional economic framework.

UAE’s Strong Support for Pakistan

The UAE has been a key financial supporter of Pakistan, frequently extending economic assistance, including loans and oil supply on deferred payments. In recent years, the UAE government has pledged billions of dollars in aid and investment projects to help stabilize Pakistan’s economy.

This visit is expected to reinforce the UAE’s commitment to Pakistan’s economic development. Officials anticipate new investment agreements and potential announcements regarding financial aid and trade initiatives.

Cultural and People-to-People Relations

Beyond economic ties, the visit also underscores the strong cultural and people-to-people connections between the two nations. The UAE hosts more than 1.7 million Pakistani expatriates, who contribute significantly to the Gulf country’s economy while also sending billions of dollars in remittances back home.

Pakistan and the UAE have also collaborated in sports, education, and tourism. Cricket, in particular, has been a major link between the two nations, with the UAE serving as a home ground for Pakistan’s international cricket matches for many years.

A Symbolic and Strategic Visit

Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to Pakistan is not just symbolic but also holds great strategic importance. With both countries seeking to enhance their economic and diplomatic relations, this high-profile visit is expected to yield tangible results in the form of new agreements and strengthened bilateral cooperation.

As the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince continues his engagements in Islamabad, Pakistani officials are optimistic that this visit will pave the way for a new era of collaboration and mutual prosperity between the two nations.