Laying the foundation of trust

Hamad Obaid Al Zaabi, the UAE Ambassador to Pakistan, has plans underway to further deepen cordial ties between the two countries

The founder of UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, was keen to give impetus to the bilateral relations between the two countries from the very beginning, It was further strengthened and patronised by The President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
The UAE and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan enjoy excellent relations on political, economic and social levels, founded on deep-rooted cultural affinities, shared faith and traditions.
These relations date back to the UAE's formation in 1971, and have since evolved into a wide range of co-operation in various fields, and this keenness of the leadership of UAE and Pakistan played an active role in strengthening and consolidating ties and deepening cooperation between the two countries, as there are numerous exchange visits at the leadership level over the decades.
Recently, the visit of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Pakistan and visit of Imran Khan, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, to the UAE gave fresh push to existing cordial ties between the two brotherly countries, and the deposit of UAE's $3 billion in the Central Bank of Pakistan to support fiscal and monetary policy of Pakistan reflects strong and deep rooted relations between the two countries.
Nearly 1.6 million Pakistanis are employed in the UAE and contribute to the progress and prosperity of the both countries. The UAE emphasises on importance of Pakistan's stability and supports Pakistan in facing the terrorism challenges and appreciates the efforts of Pakistan in the fight against this menace.
United in trade
The UAE is Pakistan's second biggest trading partner and the total trade volume between the two countries has reached around $8.19 billion. There are also dozens of UAE's companies working in Pakistan in the fields of aviation, oil, ports and shipping, banking, telecommunications, insurance, real estate, food and technology, and we are working to more strengthening these relationships.
The two countries are ready to hold the 12th meeting of the PAK-UAE joint ministerial committee in Abu Dhabi very soon to explore opportunities in different fields, and the two countries are expected to sign several agreements in various fields.
Humanitarian assistance
The UAE-Pakistan Assistance Program (UAE-PAP) was launched on January 12, 2011 upon the directions of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan with the intent to help Pakistan overcome the consequences of the destructive torrential rains by rehabilitating the infrastructure.
The project follows a comprehensive plan of rehabilitation that takes into account the rugged geographical topography and harsh weather conditions. The plan has four main pivots to rehabilitate the area and secure community development: roads and bridges, education, health and safe drinking water supply schemes. Last year, the UAE and Pakistan signed a $200 million cooperation agreement to execute third phase of UAE-PAP.
Initiatives of the UAE Embassy
Since Hamad Obaid Al Zaabi took the charge as UAE's Ambassador to Pakistan, he has been working on plans to further deepen cordial ties, especially economic relations. He has met the political leadership of Pakistan, hosted a series of meetings with senior businessmen, and visited deferent chambers of commerce and industry of Pakistan, with aim to discuss ways to further strengthen bilateral trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.
Hamad Obaid Al Zaabi plays a proactive and vital role in enhancing and expanding the ever-existing bilateral relations on political, economic, social and cultural fields.
He had arranged the visit of PM Imran Khan to the UAE, the visit of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Pakistan that resulted in the UAE's decision to deposit $3 billion to support the monetary policy of Pakistan, and also arranged the visit of a high level trade delegation from the UAE to Pakistan.
Furthermore, the scope of UAE-PAP was extended to the province of Baluchistan, as the UAE and Pakistan inked a $200 million agreement to strengthen health, education, water supply and basic infrastructure. 
The Embassy extended also humanitarian projects to different areas of Pakistan including Sindh, Baluchistan, tribal areas and Gilgit Baltistan.
The Embassy of UAE continues to strengthen the interaction between the universities and libraries of two brotherly countries.

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