Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar recently assessed the arrangements for the upcoming 12th session of the Pakistan-UAE Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) in Abu Dhabi, as per a statement from the Foreign Office.

The 12th session of the Pak-UAE JMC is set to take place after a 13-year gap since its original scheduling in October 2024, with the 11th session having occurred in Islamabad from 6-7 November 2013.

During a high-level meeting chaired by Dar, various topics were discussed, including advancing key bilateral initiatives, formalizing collaboration in existing sectors, exploring new avenues for cooperation, and attracting UAE investments in priority areas.

The statement from the Foreign Office emphasized Pakistan's commitment to bolstering economic and trade relations with the UAE.

Attendees at the meeting included federal secretaries from various ministries, along with senior officials and special assistant Tariq Bajwa.

The UAE stands as Pakistan's third-largest trading partner, hosting over a million Pakistani expatriates and being the second-largest source of remittances to Pakistan after Saudi Arabia.

According to Pakistan's Ambassador to the UAE, Faisal Tirmizi, bilateral trade between the two countries surpassed US$10.9 billion in the fiscal year 2023–24, encompassing goods and services.

Remittances from the Pakistani community in the UAE reached $6.7 billion in 2024, with a notable increase in goods trade and exports from Pakistan to the UAE.

Moreover, the UAE has invested significantly in various sectors in Pakistan, with 19 Emirati companies currently operating in the country.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently met with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, discussing matters of bilateral and regional importance during his official visit.

The meeting aimed to express Pakistan's appreciation for the UAE's support during a recent conflict with India, emphasizing the UAE's role in promoting peace and stability in the region.

The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration in key areas and advancing shared goals of regional peace and prosperity.