UAE and Pakistan Launch Strategic Partnership to Modernise Government Operations
The governments of the UAE and Pakistan have inaugurated a new strategic partnership aimed at modernising government operations, signifying a notable advance in their bilateral cooperation.
Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan, affirmed his nation’s unwavering commitment to deepening the long-standing friendship it shares with the UAE and to expanding cooperation across various sectors. He reiterated Pakistan’s intent to benefit from the UAE’s pioneering government practices, which have elevated the Emirates to global prominence in the realm of administrative modernisation.
Addressing a meeting with a UAE government delegation, Prime Minister Sharif highlighted Pakistan’s recent reforms such as the advancement of digital governance, the establishment of paperless economic systems, and the implementation of identity-less customs protocols. He also signalled Pakistan’s eagerness to adopt successful UAE models to promote data-driven decision-making and good governance.
The UAE delegation included Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Knowledge Exchange, and Hamad Obaid Al Zaabi, UAE Ambassador to Pakistan.
Prime Minister Sharif referenced his recent visit to Abu Dhabi and his meeting with President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, describing it as “highly fruitful” and praised the UAE’s ongoing developmental support and strategic initiatives in Pakistan.
During this visit, Prime Minister Sharif attended the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formalising the UAE–Pakistan strategic partnership for government modernisation. This MoU was signed by Abdulla Lootah and Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives of Pakistan, and witnessed by senior officials including Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan; Jam Kamal Khan, Federal Minister for Commerce of Pakistan, and Ambassador Al Zaabi.
Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, described the partnership as a continuation of the strong bilateral ties established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and emphasized the commitment to building upon these ties for the prosperity and mutual benefit of both nations. Al Gergawi affirmed that under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE continues to advance cooperation and strengthen its positive partnership with Pakistan. He stressed the UAE’s commitment to broadening collaboration and sharing best practices in governance, public administration, and institutional innovation.
The strategic partnership covers numerous fields, including: Good Governance, Development Planning, Public Sector Reform, Human Capital Development, Urban Planning, and Science and Technology. Through this initiative, both countries aim to foster mutual learning, institutional capacity-building, and the implementation of modern, agile government systems.
Abdulla Nasser Lootah remarked that the partnership reflects the shared strategic vision of the UAE and Pakistan to advance bilateral cooperation, especially in public sector excellence.
In related meetings, Muhammad Ishaq Dar met with the UAE Government delegation, and the team also held discussions with Ahsan Iqbal in the presence of Bilal Azhar Kayani, Minister of State for Finance. Both sessions explored the positive trajectory of bilateral relations and exchanged views on further strengthening cooperation in governance, institutional development, and public sector innovation.
Team V.4-EM-UAE
