Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, held talks on Thursday with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as part of an official visit to the country.
Discussions at the Prime Minister's office in Islamabad centred on efforts to advance strategic partnerships across a number of vital economic and developmental sectors.
The two leaders witnessed the signing of agreements to expand long-standing ties between the nations, including plans to launch a new rail network in Pakistan and future investment strategies.
Major deals struck
Etihad Rail and Pakistan’s Ministry of Railways signed agreements to improve the operational efficiency of Pakistan's rail network, in addition to establishing a new rail network, with the goal to boost connectivity and spur economic growth.
A further deal was finalised in the mining sector, between the UAE's International Resources Holding (IRH), a subsidiary of 2PointZero and Mari Energies, to establish a joint exploration project for copper and gold in the Chagai district of Balochistan.
An agreement was signed between AD Ports Group and the Pakistan Board of Investment to explore the development of a Special Economic Zone near Karachi Port and Port Qasim to enhance trade and economic activity in the region.
Sheikh Khaled was greeted on arrival in Islamabad by Asif Ali Zardari, President of Pakistan, Mr Sharif and other senior officials.
Pictures released by Abu Dhabi Media Office show the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince taking cover under an umbrella provided by the welcoming party on a rainy day in the capital.
The visit is aimed at exploring ways to expand strategic partnerships across areas of mutual interest and "fostering greater co-operation for the benefit of both nations," the media office said.
Sheikh Khaled received a military guard of honour after landing at Nur Khan Air Base, where a red carpet was rolled out.
Sheikh Khaled is joined by a high-ranking UAE delegation, which includes Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan, chairman of 2PointZero, a subsidiary of the International Holding Company, Mohamed Al Suwaidi, Minister of Investment, Hamad Obaid Alzaabi, UAE ambassador to Pakistan, and a number of prominent business leaders.
The trip comes weeks after President Sheikh Mohamed held high-level talks with Mr Sharif in Abu Dhabi. During that meeting, Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Sharif reviewed ways to bolster co-operation and strengthen ties in sectors including the economy, trade and development, state news agency Wam reported.
Long-standing friendship
In January, Sheikh Mohamed met Mr Sharif in the city of Rahim Yar Khan as part of a visit to Pakistan. Mr Sharif travelled to the UAE in May of last year in support of the deep-rooted ties between the countries.
The UAE pledged $10 billion to invest in promising economic sectors in Pakistan as part of Mr Sharif's visit.
The UAE is home to more than one million Pakistani citizens, representing the second-largest expatriate community behind India.
Relations between the UAE and Pakistan date back to the foundation of the Emirates. Pakistan was among the first nations to recognise the country after it was established in December 1971.
Pakistan also played an integral role in helping the UAE's aviation dreams to take flight. In 1985, Pakistan International Airlines offered support as Dubai sought to develop its flagship airline, Emirates.
PIA provided assistance to Emirates and leased two aircraft to the fledgling company, which showed its gratitude by selecting Karachi as the destination for its maiden flight.