UAE presidents leaves Pakistan after holding important meetings

President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir during his visit to Pakistan, with both sides agreeing to strengthen cooperation in trade and other sectors.

According to an official statement, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, paid an official visit to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on 26 December 2025 at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The statement said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir received the UAE President and his high-level delegation at Nur Khan Air Base, Rawalpindi. Senior cabinet members and government officials were also present to welcome the visiting delegation.

As the UAE President’s aircraft entered Pakistan’s airspace, Pakistan Air Force fighter jets provided an aerial escort.

A six-aircraft formation of JF-17 Thunder Block III jets welcomed Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and presented a formal aerial salute.

The Pakistan Air Force provided a ceremonial air escort upon entry into Pakistani airspace, reflecting the close and brotherly relations between Pakistan and the UAE. The formation leader conveyed greetings to the visiting president on behalf of the Prime Minister and the people of Pakistan.

The JF-17 Thunder Block III is a 4.5-generation multi-role fighter aircraft and reflects the operational capabilities of the Pakistan Air Force. Presenting an aerial salute to visiting leaders is part of Pakistan’s goodwill tradition.

After landing at Nur Khan Air Base, the UAE President was given a 21-gun salute. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir warmly received Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as he disembarked, while children in traditional dress presented flowers.

The exchange of salutes between Field Marshal Asim Munir and the UAE President reflected the strong brotherly ties between the two countries.

During the visit, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held discussions focused on further strengthening the longstanding relations between Pakistan and the UAE. Both leaders reviewed progress in existing areas of cooperation and explored ways to deepen engagement in various sectors.

According to the statement, the two sides emphasised expanding cooperation in economic development, investment, energy, infrastructure, information technology, technology, and people-to-people exchanges.

They also agreed on the need to enhance bilateral trade, which holds significant potential for mutual benefit.

The leaders also exchanged views on important regional and international developments and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining close coordination on matters of mutual interest.

Expressing satisfaction with the positive momentum in bilateral relations, both leaders reiterated their resolve to work together to promote peace, stability and sustainable development

The visit is expected to further strengthen the close brotherly ties between Pakistan and the UAE and contribute to enhancing their strategic partnership.

During his short stay, the UAE President also met the President of Pakistan and other senior officials before concluding his one-day visit and departing for the UAE.