UAE Ambassador's Farewell Call on Pakistan's PM: Emphasis on Strengthening Bilateral Ties

Strategic Insights -

United Arab Emirates' outgoing Ambassador to Pakistan, Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Al-Zaabi, paid a farewell visit to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister House in Islamabad. The meeting was attended by key Pakistani officials, including Defence Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif and Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch. During the meeting, PM Shehbaz congratulated the ambassador on completing his tenure and expressed gratitude for his contribution to strengthening Pakistan-UAE relations. The Prime Minister highlighted the leadership of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in fostering closer ties between the two countries, citing recent agreements and diplomatic visits as significant steps forward. PM Shehbaz also expressed his intention for the UAE President's official visit to Pakistan at an early date.

Key Takeaways:

  • UAE Ambassador Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Al-Zaabi's farewell call was attended by key Pakistani officials, including Defence Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kiyani, SAPM Tariq Fatemi, and Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch.
  • Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the ambassador on the successful completion of his tenure, highlighting the strengthening of Pakistan-UAE relations.
  • The Prime Minister praised UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's leadership in forging closer ties between the two countries, citing recent agreements, including visa abolition for diplomatic and official passport holders.
  • PM Shehbaz expressed his satisfaction with recent steps to strengthen bilateral ties, including the visits of UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
  • The ambassador thanked the Prime Minister for receiving him and acknowledged the special bonds of friendship between the leadership and people of both countries, stating he would continue to work for closer ties.

Statistics:

  • The UAE ambassador completed a 9-year tenure in Pakistan.
  • The Pakistan-UAE Joint Ministerial Commission convened recently.
  • An agreement on visa abolition for diplomatic and official passport holders has been operationalized.
  • UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited Pakistan recently.

Sources:

  • "UAE Ambassador pays farewell call on PM Shehbaz" (The News)
  • "PM Shehbaz congratulates outgoing UAE Ambassador" (Dawn)
  • "Pakistan, UAE take steps to strengthen ties" (Geo News)