ISLAMABAD, Aug 26 (Alliance News): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday bid farewell to the outgoing Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Pakistan, Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Al-Zaabi, appreciating his significant role in fostering closer bilateral relations.
The meeting, held at the Prime Minister House, was also attended by Defence Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kiyani, Special Assistant to PM Tariq Fatemi, and Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch.
The Prime Minister congratulated the ambassador on the successful completion of his tenure in Pakistan and thanked him for his dedicated contribution towards strengthening Pakistan-UAE ties.
He commended the leadership of UAE President and Dubai’s Ruler Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for advancing relations reflective of the deep-rooted fraternal bonds between the two countries.
PM Shehbaz highlighted that recent high-level exchanges—including the visits of UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan—had further cemented the bilateral relationship.
He noted with satisfaction the operationalisation of the visa abolition agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders and the convening of the Pakistan-UAE Joint Ministerial Commission.
Looking ahead, the Prime Minister expressed hope for an early official visit of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Pakistan, which he said would give new momentum to the already robust partnership.
In his remarks, Ambassador Al-Zaabi thanked the Prime Minister for the warm farewell and expressed deep gratitude for the support and friendship extended to him during his nine-year tenure in Pakistan.
He affirmed that he would continue to work for stronger ties between Pakistan and the UAE in the future.
