ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT): Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that Pakistan attaches great value to its brotherly relations with the United Arab Emirates, which are deeply rooted in shared faith, cultural affinity, and decades of close cooperation at the political, economic, social, and parliamentary levels. He expressed these views during a meeting with the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Pakistan, H.E. Salem Mohammad Salem AlBawab Alzaabi in Islamabad.
The meeting was marked by warmth, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to further deepening the longstanding brotherly ties between Pakistan and the UAE. Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani extended heartfelt greetings and conveyed his best wishes to the leadership and the brotherly people of the UAE.
The Chairman Senate expressed deep appreciation for the Ambassador’s gracious presence and valuable participation in the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC). He noted that the UAE’s active engagement added significant value to the proceedings and reflected its strong commitment to inter-parliamentry collaboration and regional solidarity. The Chairman highlighted the ISC as a forward-looking platform that brings together parliamentary leaders to collectively address global challenges.
Chairman Senate also appreciated the increasing momentum in bilateral engagements in recent years, terming it a reflection of the visionary leadership of both countries. He noted that recent high-level visits; including the visit 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, had further strengthened the foundation of Pakistan–UAE friendship. He added that Pakistan is eagerly looking forward to the upcoming visit of H.E. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi.
The Chairman Senate expressed satisfaction over the steady growth in bilateral trade, which reached US$10.1 billion in 2025. He emphasized Pakistan’s desire to expand economic cooperation, attract Emirati investment, and explore new avenues in trade, energy, technology, tourism, and infrastructure development. The UAE Ambassador acknowledged Pakistan’s potential as a key economic partner and expressed the UAE’s readiness to enhance bilateral trade and investment ties. He also reflected on his tenure as Prime Minister of Pakistan, during which special focus was placed on strengthening Pakistan–UAE relations across multiple sectors.
Highlighting the importance of parliamentary diplomacy, the Chairman Senate welcomed ongoing initiatives such as the Pakistan–UAE Friendship Group in the Senate. He proposed joint research programs between parliamentary committees of both countries and suggested hosting bilateral virtual seminars on regional security, renewable energy, and educational exchanges to promote shared learning and deepen cooperation.
During the meeting, Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani underscored that the core issue of Kashmir between Pakistan and India remains unresolved. He emphasized that lasting peace and stability in South Asia cannot be achieved until the Kashmir issue is resolved in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. The Chairman warned that the failure to address this longstanding dispute poses a serious threat to regional security, and urged the international community to play its due role in supporting a just, peaceful, and durable settlement.
He further underscored Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to regional peace and stability, noting that Pakistan is a peace-loving nation and has always acted in self-defense against aggression or false propaganda. The Chairman expressed deep concern over external interference in Pakistan’s internal affairs, particularly terrorist activities in Balochistan, and stressed the importance of all countries adhering to international agreements, including the Indus Waters Treaty.
Highlighting Pakistan’s humanitarian contribution during the Russia–Afghanistan conflict, he recalled that Pakistan generously hosted 3.5 million Afghan refugees for decades. He added that the international community must now play its part in supporting their dignified and voluntary repatriation.
Chairman Senate noted that the Pakistani community in the UAE serves as a strong bridge between the two nations. He appreciated the UAE’s consistent support and hospitality toward Pakistanis and stressed that easing visa restrictions would boost employment opportunities, facilitate higher education prospects, and further enhance people-to-people connectivity.
Both sides reviewed ongoing defense cooperation and appreciated the robust collaboration in training, joint exercises, and defense production. They reaffirmed their resolve to continue working closely on matters of mutual interest and to advance the relationship toward a strategic and mutually beneficial partnership. The UAE Ambassador thanked Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani for the warm hospitality and reiterated the UAE’s commitment to elevating bilateral cooperation across all sectors.
The Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates, H.E. Salem Mohammad Salem AlBawab Alzaabi, also congratulated Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on successfully hosting the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC) in Islamabad.
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