Abu Dhabi- June 23, 2025: Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates have reignited their strategic partnership by holding the 12th Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) meeting in Abu Dhabi. This high-level dialogue resumes after a 12-year gap, with the last session taking place in 2013.
Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar is leading Pakistan’s delegation. UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is heading the UAE side.
The JMC acts as a key institutional platform to promote cooperation. It covers trade, energy, manpower, investment, innovation, and climate resilience. This session aims to review past commitments and create new pathways for collaboration in emerging sectors.
Building on the 2013 Framework
The 11th session of the JMC was held in Islamabad in November 2013. Both sides agreed to translate political goodwill into meaningful economic gains. They formed a Joint Committee on Energy and discussed UAE’s support for Pakistan’s renewable energy needs.
They also planned to launch a Joint Business Council and explore consular cooperation. UAE offered technical assistance in key areas. A memorandum was signed between the Securities and Exchange Commissions of both countries. Pakistan raised the issue of visa facilitation for over 1.2 million Pakistanis working in the UAE.
This year’s session builds on that momentum. Both countries now seek broader cooperation in digital economy, sustainable development, and human capital development.
Busy Diplomatic Schedule Before UAE Visit
Before reaching Abu Dhabi, the Foreign Minister had a full diplomatic schedule in Türkiye from June 20–22. He attended the 51st Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, a special meeting on Iran, and a session of the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir.
Dar held bilateral talks with 13 OIC Foreign Ministers. He also met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. He secured Pakistan’s re-election to the OIC-IPHRC for the 2025–2028 term.
Additionally, he signed the OIC Labour Centre Statute and attended a youth forum honoring President Erdoğan.
The 12th JMC marks more than just a formal dialogue. It signals a renewed, forward-looking strategic partnership that can benefit both nations and the region at large.