UAE and Pakistan: Decades of support and partnership
The United Arab Emirates and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan have deep-rooted historical relations, which are entitled to consultation and joint coordination, and to strive to strengthen the strategic partnership, especially in the economic, commercial, and cultural fields, and to develop bilateral projects.
On his third visit to the United Arab Emirates since assuming office, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in the UAE a few weeks ago at the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Head of State. The two sides held a meeting during which they discussed several common issues.
Strengthen Ties and Intensify Consultation
Details of the meeting came in a joint statement between the two countries, where the two sides discussed strengthening bilateral relations and exchanged views on political and security issues in the region. The two sides also discussed strengthening cooperation in the political, defense, economic, trade and cultural fields, developing joint projects, and enhancing cooperation in the human resources sector.
The UAE and Pakistan reaffirmed their deep-rooted historical ties and their pursuit of regional and global peace and security. The two sides expressed satisfaction with the convergence of views on a range of regional and global issues.
In order to develop meaningful and concrete bilateral cooperation in key areas, the two sides agreed to intensify consultations and coordination to strengthen their strategic partnership, and the two sides signed memorandums of understanding in the areas of combating human trafficking, news exchange and cooperation between the diplomatic academies of the two countries.
UAE support for Pakistan
The Pakistani Prime Minister extended his sincere thanks to HH Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan for the support provided by the United Arab Emirates to his country during the recent floods. It has established an air bridge for this purpose, and on the basis of their decades-long friendship, the two countries have expressed their mutual solidarity in various circumstances.
This month, the UAE participated in an international conference in Geneva organized by the Pakistani government and the United Nations. to discuss mechanisms to mobilize international support for those affected by last year’s devastating floods in Pakistan and to rebuild infrastructure.
The UAE affirmed its support for all international efforts to promote emergency relief, rehabilitation, reconstruction and prevention in the wake of the unprecedented floods that swept Pakistan. She noted that the humanitarian response in this regard was to meet urgent needs. access to affected areas, to ensure access to the basic needs of the population and to improve their living conditions.
Historic UAE effort to support Pakistan
During last year’s floods in Pakistan, the UAE was one of the first countries to respond to the crisis. It quickly inaugurated an air and sea bridge, which included sending 71 aircraft and six ships with more than 8,000 tons of food, medical supplies and shelter. Worth more than $80 million. More than 6.5 million families, mostly women, children and the elderly, have benefited.
Over the past five years, the UAE has provided more than $2.4 billion in relief and development supplies to Pakistan. It included more than 647 million doses of polio vaccines to 119 million children from 2014 to 2022. Another $53 million was allocated for 2023-2026 to continue the vaccination campaign as part of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.
