Dubai: President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday met Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, to discuss ways to further strengthen bilateral relations, with a focus on economic, trade, and investment cooperation.

The meeting, held at Zabeel Palace, reviewed opportunities to expand collaboration in infrastructure, logistics, technology, and other priority sectors. Both sides underscored the importance of deepening economic engagement as Pakistan pursues reforms aimed at attracting investment and boosting growth.

President Zardari congratulated Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid on two decades of leadership as Ruler of Dubai and acknowledged the emirate’s development into a global hub for tourism, finance, and emerging technologies. The leaders exchanged views on leveraging Dubai’s experience in ports, logistics, infrastructure, information technology, and digital financial services.

President Zardari meets UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed in Abu Dhabi

Highlighting Pakistan’s ongoing economic reforms, including investment facilitation and privatisation, President Zardari explored prospects for enhanced cooperation with the UAE in infrastructure development, logistics, food security, and technology-driven sectors. He also extended an invitation to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid to visit Pakistan.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the long-standing and brotherly relations between Pakistan and the UAE. They expressed satisfaction with the positive trajectory of bilateral ties and emphasized the value of high-level exchanges. The discussion also recalled the recent visit of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Pakistan and acknowledged the UAE’s continued support for Pakistan’s economic development.

The leaders also highlighted the contribution of the Pakistani community in the UAE in strengthening people-to-people links between the two countries.

The meeting was attended by First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari; Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party; Syed Mohsin Naqvi, Minister for Interior; and Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE.