Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, President Zardari Discuss Strengthening UAE–Pakistan Ties

Dubai, The Gulf Observer: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, on Wednesday met with Asif Ali Zardari, President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, at Za’abeel Palace in Dubai to discuss ways to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

The meeting was attended by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai; H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; and H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai.

Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation between the UAE and Pakistan across a range of areas of mutual interest, with the aim of serving the shared interests of both countries and their peoples. The two sides also exchanged views on regional and international developments, reaffirming their commitment to supporting global stability and promoting cooperation in the fields of security and sustainable development.

During the meeting, Sheikh Mohammed reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to deepening its strategic partnership with Pakistan, building on the long-standing historical ties between the two nations and reflecting the UAE’s vision of fostering closer relations and constructive cooperation with countries around the world.

President Zardari, for his part, underscored the importance of the strategic relationship between Pakistan and the UAE. He praised Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s role in advancing bilateral cooperation and commended the commitment of both sides to strengthening partnership in economic and developmental sectors in line with the shared interests of the two friendly nations.

The meeting was also attended by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai Airports and Emirates Airline and Group; H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee; H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority; H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; and H.H. Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Media Incorporated, along with a number of other Sheikhs and senior officials.

The Pakistani delegation included First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari; Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party; Bakhtawar Bhutto-Zardari; Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi; Presidential Advisor Asim Hussain; Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE Shafqat Ali Khan; and Brigadier Sajid Akbar, Military Secretary to the President.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of Sheikh Mohammed’s gathering with dignitaries, business leaders and senior government officials, during which he reaffirmed his commitment to constructive dialogue with the business community and to strengthening public-private partnerships. Discussions at the gathering focused on enhancing the business environment, improving government efficiency and advancing the UAE’s vision for a prosperous and sustainable future.

Separately, Sheikh Mohammed met with top-performing graduates of the Zayed II Military College, commending their discipline, competence and outstanding achievements, and stressing that investing in national talent is central to shaping the country’s future and strengthening its defence capabilities.

He also met with leading graduates of the Dubai Police Academy, praising their accomplishments and highlighting the vital role of educational and security institutions in developing national leaders capable of maintaining security and upholding the rule of law.