ISLAMABAD – Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Pakistan, Mr Salem Mohammed Salem Al Bawab Al Zaabi, called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr. The President welcomed the newly appointed Ambassador and conveyed best wishes for his tenure, while appreciating the services of his predecessor. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s gratitude for the UAE’s continued support, particularly in economic and infrastructure sectors, and expressed Pakistan’s readiness to host His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on an official visit at mutually convenient dates.
The meeting reviewed the close brotherly relations between Pakistan and the UAE and discussed ways to expand cooperation in political, economic, defence and people-to-people domains. The President said that the UAE has held a special place for his family since the very establishment of the Emirates, noting that the relationship spans generations, from Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, and continues today, with the UAE being home to his daughter. He said this personal bond reflects the depth of trust and affection that underpins Pakistan-UAE relations.
The President added that while the UAE is Pakistan’s largest trading partner in the Middle East and financial cooperation between the two countries remains strong, there is further scope to expand collaboration in investment, energy, the digital economy and infrastructure development. He also paid tribute to the Pakistani community in the UAE, acknowledging its vital role in contributing to the UAE’s development while serving as a strong bridge between the two countries.
Parliamentary Leader of PPP in the Senate, Senator Sherry Rehman, and Senator Saleem Mandviwala also attended the meeting. President Asif Ali Zardari met Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, former Foreign Secretary of Pakistan and Secretary General-Designate of the Developing Eight Organization (D-8), who called on him at Aiwan-e-Sadr. The President congratulated Ambassador Sohail Mahmood on his appointment as Secretary General of D-8 and said it is a matter of pride for Pakistan that a seasoned Pakistani diplomat would be leading the organisation. He expressed confidence that Ambassador Mahmood’s experience and insight would help strengthen D-8 and enhance its relevance in the coming years.
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood briefed the President on his new role and shared his vision for advancing cooperation among D-8 member states. He highlighted the organisation’s potential to promote economic growth and collective development across its diverse membership. The President underscored Pakistan’s continued commitment to D-8 as a founding member and noted the importance of effective implementation of the D-8 Decennial Roadmap 2020–2030.
He emphasised the need to translate agreed frameworks into tangible outcomes, particularly in priority areas including trade, agriculture, energy, industry, transportation and tourism. Referring to the D-8 Preferential Trade Agreement, the President said that low levels of intra-D-8 trade highlighted the urgency of full operationalisation of the agreement. He welcomed the signing of the Protocol on the D-8 PTA Dispute Settlement Mechanism as a positive step towards addressing trade barriers and strengthening economic collaboration among member states.
The President also stressed the importance of enhancing people-to-people contacts within D-8 to deepen cultural and historical ties. He noted that institutional reforms are essential for the organisation’s long-term effectiveness and expressed hope that Ambassador Sohail Mahmood would play a constructive role in aligning D-8 with contemporary global standards while ensuring fair representation of member states. President Zardari wished Ambassador Sohail Mahmood success in his new assignment and expressed confidence that he would uphold the objectives of D-8 while safeguarding Pakistan’s national interests. Parliamentary Leader of PPP in the Senate, Senator Sherry Rehman also attended the meeting.
