ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar will attend the Sir Bani Yas Forum in the UAE from Dec. 12-14 to discuss regional issues with world leaders and explore economic partnerships, the foreign ministry said on Friday. 

The three-day summit features senior statesmen, policymakers and global experts from around the world with discussions likely to revolve around key regional and international issues such as peace, security and economic cooperation.

Dar, who is also Pakistan’s foreign minister, attended the 15th edition of the Bani Yas Forum last year. He is attending this year’s summit at the invitation of his UAE counterpart, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the foreign office said. 

“During the Forum, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister will engage with international leaders and experts on matters related to regional stability, sustainable development, and the expansion of economic partnerships,” the statement said. 

“He will also present Pakistan’s perspectives on promoting dialogue, addressing regional challenges, and fostering enhanced opportunities for economic cooperation.”

The Forum is expected to feature important discussions on Israel’s war in Gaza and the fragile ceasefire in the Middle East. 

Pakistan has consistently criticized Israel for violating the ceasefire in Gaza and has called on the international community to intervene and ensure the fragile agreement does not collapse. 

Islamabad has also been eyeing economic partnerships with regional allies, particularly Gulf countries, at such global summits in recent months. 

It has entered into economic, defense, trade and investment agreements with traditional allies such as China, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar and Central Asian states in recent months.