Islamabad: H.E. Salem M. Salem AlBawab Al Zaabi, the new Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Pakistan, called on Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb at the Finance Division today to discuss deepening bilateral cooperation.

The meeting highlighted the longstanding historical and economic ties between Pakistan and the UAE, including contributions of Pakistani professionals across sectors such as banking, finance, defence, and public administration. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing trade, investment, finance, technology, defence, and cultural exchanges.

Ambassador Al Zaabi noted that expanding economic cooperation is a key priority, emphasizing UAE interest in increasing trade volumes, attracting Pakistani businesses to the UAE, and encouraging UAE investment in sectors including agriculture, infrastructure, mining, ports, financial services, and virtual assets. He also briefed on reforms to streamline visa processes for Pakistani nationals, including online applications, e-visas without passport stamping, and a new UAE visa centre in Pakistan.

Senator Aurangzeb welcomed these initiatives, highlighting Pakistan's macro-economic improvements, including stable foreign exchange reserves, declining inflation, stronger currency outlook, and increasing remittances, particularly from the UAE. He stressed that smoother mobility and strategic investment partnerships would further strengthen bilateral economic ties.

The meeting also touched upon ongoing defence cooperation, training exchanges, and historical military collaboration, with both sides committing to continue leveraging the immense potential between the two brotherly nations.