PAKISTAN-UAE relations have stood the test of time despite geopolitical upheavals. The current souring of relations does not reflect the true potential of ties between the two countries. Bilateral ties are rooted in shared faith, cultural affinity, and enduring people-to-people bonds. Pakistan was among the first countries to recognise and establish diplomatic relations with the UAE after the country’s founding in 1971. Since then, ties have continued to expand.

Pakistan’s contribution to the UAE’s development remains an important glue that still binds the two states together. Pakistani military personnel, engineers, teachers, professionals and skilled workers have contributed to defence, aviation, education, and engineering. A 2.2 million-strong Pakistani diaspora remains an important pillar of the UAE economy, contributing $8 billion in remittances, while also providing demographic balance vis-à-vis 4.2m Indian expatriates. The UAE is Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner.

There is steady progress towards investment-led partnerships in logistics, technology, agriculture and food security. This is supported by the Pakistan-UAE Compre­hensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which is expected to raise trade volume to........

© Dawn