By Hafiz Rahat Usama 
Warm Reception at Prime Minister House
The outgoing Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Pakistan, Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Al-Zaabi, paid a farewell call on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister House. The meeting reflected the close and historic ties between the two nations. Present at the occasion were Defence Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kiyani, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi, and Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch, underscoring the importance Pakistan attaches to its relations with the UAE.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the ambassador on the successful completion of his tenure in Pakistan. He thanked him for his valuable contributions toward furthering the relationship between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, a relationship marked by brotherhood, shared values, and mutual respect.
PM Shehbaz’s Tribute to UAE Leadership
During the meeting, the Prime Minister lauded the leadership of UAE President and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He highlighted that Sheikh Mohamed’s vision and dedication had played a pivotal role in bringing Pakistan and the UAE closer together.
PM Shehbaz noted that the strong bilateral relations were reflective of deep-rooted, fraternal bonds that span decades. He further emphasized that the leadership on both sides has continuously strived to strengthen economic, political, and cultural cooperation. The Prime Minister expressed his firm belief that under Sheikh Mohamed’s guidance, the Pakistan-UAE partnership would reach new heights in the years to come.
Recent Milestones in Bilateral Relations
The Prime Minister expressed his satisfaction over recent developments that have significantly advanced the partnership between Pakistan and the UAE. Among these milestones were the visits of prominent UAE leaders, including UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Another notable step was the convening of the Pakistan-UAE Joint Ministerial Commission, which further solidified cooperation in multiple fields. Additionally, the recently operationalised agreement on visa abolition for holders of diplomatic and official passports was hailed as a symbol of trust and confidence between the two nations.
PM Shehbaz remarked that such initiatives not only bring governments closer but also create opportunities for stronger people-to-people ties, economic collaboration, and long-term strategic partnership.
Anticipation of UAE President’s Visit to Pakistan
Highlighting the importance of high-level exchanges, the Prime Minister stated that he looked forward to welcoming Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Pakistan in the near future. He expressed optimism that the UAE President’s official visit would provide fresh impetus to bilateral relations. Such a visit, he said, would reaffirm the shared commitment to advancing mutual interests and deepening cooperation in diverse areas including trade, investment, and regional connectivity.
Ambassador Al-Zaabi’s Reflections
Ambassador Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Al-Zaabi, in his farewell remarks, expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for the warm reception and the support extended to him during his tenure. He noted that throughout his nine-year stay in Pakistan, he had received immense cooperation and friendship from the government and the people alike.
The ambassador acknowledged the deep-rooted bonds of brotherhood and trust that unite Pakistan and the UAE. He expressed pride in having served as a bridge between the two countries and pledged to continue working, even beyond his official capacity, to further strengthen the Pakistan-UAE partnership.
Al-Zaabi emphasized that his experiences in Pakistan had been enriching and memorable, and he cherished the strong spirit of hospitality and friendship that he had encountered. His words highlighted the mutual goodwill that forms the foundation of bilateral relations.