ISLAMABAD, Oct 30 (APP): Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani and Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Saqr Ghobash on Thursday reaffirmed the historic and time-tested brotherly ties between Pakistan and the UAE, rooted in shared values, mutual respect, and deep religious and cultural bonds.
The two leaders met on the sidelines of the International Parliamentary Conference marking the 30th anniversary of the Constitution of Azerbaijan, where they reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations and emphasized the importance of strengthening parliamentary cooperation to enhance mutual understanding and promote peace, stability, and development in the region.
Gilani recalled his earlier cordial meeting with Saqr Ghobash on the sidelines of the Third South-South Parliamentary Dialogue Forum in Rabat in April 2025, describing it as a productive engagement that laid strong foundations for sustained inter-parliamentary collaboration between the two friendly nations.
Highlighting his personal association with UAE-Pakistan relations, the Chairman Senate noted that during his tenure as Prime Minister of Pakistan, special focus was given to expanding cooperation with the UAE across diverse sectors. He also paid tribute to the visionary leadership of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose enduring legacy of brotherhood continues to inspire bilateral ties.
Gilani appreciated the recent signing of 14 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between Pakistan and the UAE in April 2025, covering key sectors including trade, mining, banking, and cultural exchange.
He noted that the UAE remains Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $10.9 billion in FY 2023–24 — reflecting a 41 percent growth in Pakistan’s exports.
Encouraging further Emirati investment under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) framework, Gilani identified railways, renewable energy, and smart agriculture as promising sectors for collaboration.
He also expressed gratitude for the UAE’s decision to grant five-year multiple-entry visas to 100,000 Pakistani citizens, calling it a commendable step toward strengthening social and economic linkages.
During the meeting, the Chairman Senate extended a formal invitation to Speaker Saqr Ghobash to attend the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC) being hosted by the Senate of Pakistan in Islamabad from November 10–12, 2025.
He said the conference would provide an important platform for dialogue on peace, security, sustainable development, and parliamentary cooperation.
Gilani commended Saqr Ghobash’s leadership and welcomed continued engagement through parliamentary friendship groups, proposing new initiatives such as joint research programs and bilateral virtual seminars on global challenges, including climate change, education, and renewable energy.
The two leaders also exchanged views on pressing regional and international issues.
Gilani reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful coexistence in South Asia and reiterated the country’s principled stance on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, calling for its resolution in line with international law and UN Security Council resolutions.
He categorically rejected India’s baseless allegations regarding the Pahalgam incident and condemned the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty as a politically motivated and destabilizing act.
On the situation in Palestine, Gilani voiced deep concern over Israel’s recent escalation and reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for an independent Palestinian state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
He lauded the UAE’s role in co-founding the Parliamentary Group in Solidarity with Palestine, which he said has become an influential voice for peace and justice.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening the Pakistan-UAE partnership through enhanced parliamentary diplomacy, economic collaboration, and people-to-people exchanges.
Gilani also invited UAE tourists to visit Pakistan’s rich cultural and historical landmarks — including Multan, Lahore, Thatta, Hunza, and Mohenjo-Daro — to strengthen cultural exchange and mutual understanding.