According to a press release issued by Prime Minister’s Office on Wednesday, PM Shehbaz expressed heartfelt gratitude to the UAE for its diplomatic efforts to help de-escalate the recent crisis in South Asia. He praised the UAE’s constructive role in promoting peace in the region.
“The United Arab Emirates has always stood by Pakistan,” the Prime Minister said, reaffirming that Pakistan remains committed to peace in South Asia. “It is in this spirit that we agreed to a ceasefire understanding with India,” he added.
وزیراعظم محمد شہبازشریف اور متحدہ عرب امارات کے صدر اور ابوظہبی کے حکمران عزت مآب شیخ محمد بن زاید النہیان کے درمیان آج ٹیلی فون پر بات چیت ہوئی ۔
وزیراعظم نے جنوبی ایشیاء میں حالیہ بحران کو کم کرنے کے لیے متحدہ عرب امارات کی سفارتی کوششوں اور تعمیری کردار کے لیے تہہ دل سے… pic.twitter.com/o8KRsYp4FR
— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) May 14, 2025
While renewing Pakistan’s resolve to maintain an environment of understanding, PM made it clear that the country would defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs.
He also stressed that Pakistan would never allow the Indus Waters Treaty to be challenged, reiterating its importance as a binding agreement.
The PM noted the warm and brotherly ties between Pakistan and the UAE, saying that bilateral cooperation—especially in the areas of economy and investment—had significantly improved over the past year. He reaffirmed his commitment to transforming the relationship into a mutually beneficial economic partnership.
Read More: Regional powers welcome India-Pakistan ceasefire deal
In response, President Al Nahyan appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to promote peace and welcomed the ceasefire understanding with India. He reaffirmed the UAE’s support for peace and stability in South Asia.
On May 10, in a televised address, PM Shehbaz acknowledged the United Arab Emirates for its contributions in defusing tensions and playing a role in the ceasefire with India, which was brokered following US President Trump’s intervention.
India had also targeted the Sheikh Zayed International Airport in Rahim Yar Khan district Pakistan’s Punjab province —a facility widely regarded as a symbol of Pakistan-UAE friendship.
Pakistan, UAE sign multiple agreements to boost bilateral ties
Last month, Pakistan and the UAE signed a series of Memorandums of Understanding aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation in key sectors including culture, trade, and consular affairs.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan signed two MoUs: one to promote cooperation between the UAE Ministry of Culture and Pakistan’s Culture Division, and another for the establishment of a joint committee on consular affairs.
Read More: Pakistan, UAE deepen economic cooperation
In addition, both leaders witnessed the exchange of an MoU between the Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
The agreement establishes the UAE-Pakistan Joint Business Council, which aims to enhance trade and investment relations.