Islamabad: Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has reaffirmed Pakistan's strong and longstanding ties with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), emphasizing shared faith, cultural affinity, and decades of cooperation across political, economic, social, and parliamentary levels.
Chairman Senate Gilani expressed these views during a meeting with UAE Ambassador to Pakistan H.E. Salem Mohammad Salem AlBawab Alzaabi in Islamabad. The meeting was marked by mutual respect and a commitment to further deepen bilateral relations.
Gilani appreciated the Ambassador's active participation in the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers' Conference (ISC), noting that UAE's engagement significantly contributed to regional parliamentary collaboration. He highlighted recent high-level visits, including those of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in April 2025 and the maiden visit of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, which strengthened the foundation of Pakistan-UAE friendship. Pakistan looks forward to the upcoming visit of UAE President H.E. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The Chairman expressed satisfaction over growing bilateral trade, which reached US$10.1 billion in 2025, and emphasized Pakistan's intent to expand cooperation in trade, energy, technology, tourism, and infrastructure. Ambassador Alzaabi acknowledged Pakistan's potential as a key economic partner and expressed UAE readiness to enhance trade and investment ties.
Chairman Senate Gilani highlighted the role of parliamentary diplomacy and proposed initiatives such as joint research programs and virtual seminars on regional security, renewable energy, and education to deepen collaboration.
On regional issues, Gilani stressed that the core Kashmir dispute between Pakistan and India remains unresolved, warning that lasting peace in South Asia depends on a settlement in line with UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. He underscored Pakistan's commitment to regional peace and self-defense, while expressing concern over external interference and terrorist activities in Balochistan.
He also recalled Pakistan's humanitarian contribution during the Russia-Afghanistan conflict, hosting 3.5 million Afghan refugees, and stressed the need for international support for their dignified repatriation. Gilani highlighted the Pakistani community in the UAE as a key bridge between the two nations and suggested easing visa restrictions to enhance education, employment, and people-to-people ties.
Both sides reviewed ongoing defense cooperation, including joint training, exercises, and defense production, and reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the relationship toward a strategic and mutually beneficial partnership.
The meeting was attended by Malik Wasif Mazher Rao, Advisor to the Chairman Senate; Ms. Misbah Khar, Ambassador to the ISC; and Senior Director General (Protocol) Tariq Bin Waheed.