Abu Dhabi | June 24, 2025 — In a significant move to enhance Pakistan-UAE relations, Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates, HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, signed a mutual visa exemption agreement for holders of diplomatic and official passports. This pivotal agreement came at the conclusion of the 12th session of the Pakistan-UAE Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC), held in Abu Dhabi after a 12-year gap.
The late-night signing ceremony symbolized a renewed commitment by both nations to foster closer diplomatic and institutional cooperation. Both leaders hailed the development as a reflection of their shared resolve to deepen fraternal ties and enhance government-to-government collaboration across critical sectors.
Strategic Preparations and Focused Dialogue
Prior to the JMC session, Senator Ishaq Dar chaired a preparatory meeting of the Pakistani delegation on June 24, 2025, in Abu Dhabi. During the session, the delegation reviewed the JMC agenda thoroughly and evaluated the progress made on various bilateral projects.
Deliberations centered on strategic sectors such as trade, investment, energy, telecommunications, and employment opportunities for Pakistani workers in the UAE. These areas are considered essential for sustainable economic partnership and future cooperation.
Broad-Based Participation by Key Officials
The preparatory meeting saw the active participation of senior Pakistani officials, including SAPM Tariq Bajwa, the Special Secretary of the Economic Affairs Division (EAD), Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE, as well as Secretaries from the Ministries of Commerce, Interior, Overseas Pakistanis, Information Technology, and the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). Additional Secretaries from the Ministry of Food Security and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were also present, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the dialogue.
Senator Ishaq Dar praised the collaborative efforts of all ministries and departments. He urged all stakeholders to transform discussions into concrete actions and policy outcomes, ultimately aiming to solidify bilateral ties through institutional partnerships.
Looking Ahead
The 12th JMC session marked a renewed chapter in Pakistan-UAE relations, paving the way for sustained economic, diplomatic, and institutional engagement between the two brotherly nations.
