ABU DHABI, Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi highlights the Strategic Depth of Pakistan-UAE Bilateral Relations at ECSSR Dialogue Session in Abu Dhabi
Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Pakistan’s Envoy to the UAE, participated in a Dialogue Session at the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR) in Abu Dhabi today. H.E. Dr. Sultan Mohammed Al Nuaimi, Director General of ECSSR, warmly welcomed Ambassador Tirmizi at the Centre. The session, titled “Bilateral Relations Between the UAE and Pakistan,” was moderated by Mr. Nasser Al Banna, which offered an opportunity to reflect on the enduring partnership and new avenues for strategic collaboration between the two brotherly nations.
Ambassador Tirmizi underscored the deep-rooted and multifaceted relationship between Pakistan and the UAE, which is abased on shared values, cultural affinities, and strong people-to-people ties. “Our relations are marked by mutual respect, growing economic interdependence, and the invaluable contribution of 1.7 million Pakistanis living and working in the UAE,” he noted.
The Ambassador highlighted a series of recent high-level engagements, including the visits of H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, to Pakistan, as well as the successful conclusion of the 12th Pakistan-UAE Joint Ministerial Commission. These developments, he stated, reflect the growing momentum in bilateral cooperation.
On regional peace and security, Ambassador Tirmizi emphasized the shared commitment of Pakistan and the UAE to counter threats posed by non-state actors. Recalling Pakistan’s sacrifices and experience in the fight against terrorism, he reaffirmed Islamabad’s readiness to further collaborate with the UAE to ensure regional stability.
Commenting on developments in the Middle East, the Ambassador called for an unconditional ceasefire in Gaza and lauded the UAE’s diplomatic and humanitarian efforts. He stressed the importance of inclusive, dialogue-based diplomacy in resolving regional conflicts.
In response to a question on the Indus Waters Treaty, Ambassador Tirmizi clarified that the treaty, mediated by the World Bank in 1960, cannot be unilaterally suspended. He cited the recent ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in favour of Pakistan, affirming that India cannot withdraw from the agreement on its own.
Turning to economic ties, the Ambassador noted the steady growth in Emirati investment in Pakistan, emphasizing the untapped potential in areas such as logistics, ports, renewable energy, and digital infrastructure. He highlighted the development of Karachi Port and Pakistan’s geostrategic location as key assets in this regard.
Ambassador Tirmizi also called for enhanced collaboration between think tanks, universities, and research institutions in both countries. “Joint research and knowledge exchanges can strengthen our bilateral dialogue and help us address shared global challenges,” he added.
The session concluded with a lively Q&A segment, reflecting strong interest from Emirati researchers, policymakers, and analysts.
Abu Dhabi, 24 July 2025
