Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Pakistan, H.E. Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Al-Zaabi, paid a farewell call on Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani in Islamabad.
The Chairman Senate lauded the Ambassador’s services, stating that he played a significant role in further strengthening the fraternal relations between Pakistan and the UAE. He said that during the Ambassador’s diplomatic tenure, close engagement with the leadership and the people of Pakistan has imparted a new dimension to bilateral ties.
The Chairman paid rich tribute to the visionary leadership of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE, whose foresight transformed the country into a hub of economy, trade, tourism, and technology.
Chairman Senate underscored that Pakistan deeply values its half-century-long relations with the UAE, which have withstood the test of time. He termed the constructive and effective role of the UAE’s leadership during the Pakistan-India war of May 2025 as a golden chapter in bilateral relations. He also expressed satisfaction over the continuity of high-level visits between the two countries, which reflects the significance of their enduring partnership. Pakistan’s top priority is to transform these ties into a strategic and multifaceted economic partnership to jointly tackle challenges such as poverty, food security, and climate change.
Discussing political matters, the Chairman Senate said that cooperation between Pakistan and the UAE in global and regional organisations reflects a shared stance on key international issues. On economic and trade relations, he stated that Pakistan seeks to diversify trade cooperation and explore new avenues for investment.
Regarding the Pakistani community in the UAE, the Chairman Senate highlighted that 1.8 million Pakistanis are actively contributing to the development of the UAE, while their remittances serve as a backbone of Pakistan’s economy.
On this occasion, Chairman Senate extended a formal invitation to the UAE parliamentary delegation to participate in the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC) scheduled for November 2025, stating that Pakistan looks forward to welcoming their participation. He termed the forum significant, providing an opportunity to learn from each other’s experiences.
In conclusion, Chairman Senate conveyed his best wishes for Ambassador Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Al-Zaabi, noting that Pakistan deeply appreciates his services and looks forward to further strengthening Pakistan-UAE relations in the future.
