ISLAMABAD: The Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, pledged his country’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with Pakistan in a social media message on Wednesday, as people across the South Asian state celebrated Independence Day on August 14.
The UAE has played a significant role in bolstering Pakistan’s economy in recent years. It is home to 1.8 million Pakistani nationals and is the second-largest source of remittances for their country.
Both sides have a bilateral trade volume of $5.6 billion, though they consider this to be below its actual potential and plan to increase it in the coming years.
Pakistan’s exports to the UAE were valued at $1.59 billion in the last fiscal year, with the government planning to increase this to $2 billion by June 2026.
“I extend my warm congratulations to the leadership and people of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on the occasion of its 77th Independence Day,” said the UAE prime minister. “As Pakistan continues its journey toward progress and stability, the UAE reiterates its steadfast commitment to strengthening our collaboration, exploring new opportunities for growth, and working together to build a future of prosperity and success.”
“Happy Independence Day to our Pakistani friends,” he continued.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif responded to his message, expressing gratitude for his warm greeting.
“I thank Your Highness and the entire leadership of UAE for always standing with Pakistan in our journey toward peace, progress and prosperity,” Sharif said. “I am confident that by working together, we can build a bright future for our peoples. Long live Pakistan-UAE brotherhood.”
Pakistan and the UAE have always enjoyed close and cordial relations.
The Gulf state came to Pakistan’s economic rescue in recent years by placing significant deposits in the latter’s central bank amid a major balance-of-payments crisis.
Several UAE-based firms have also pledged to invest in Pakistan, which is expected to create more employment opportunities and further shore up the Pakistani economy.