KARACHI: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday called for deepening economic, trade, investment and defense cooperation with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the Gulf nation marks its National Day, saying both countries remain committed to shared goals of stability and prosperity.

Pakistan and the UAE maintain one of the closest bilateral relationships in the Gulf region. The UAE is Pakistan’s second-largest trading partner, a major investor in energy, ports, banking and logistics, and home to more than 1.6 million Pakistani workers, whose remittances form a critical source of foreign exchange for Islamabad.

The UAE celebrates National Day on Dec. 2 each year, marking the founding of the federation in 1971 and its emergence as one of the Middle East’s most influential economic and diplomatic actors.

Sharif, in a message issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, said the two countries were “resolute in striving for achieving the common goals of peace and stability, development and prosperity,” adding that expanding cooperation across key sectors would benefit both nations.

“Insha Allah, our cooperation in the economic, bilateral trade, investment and defense sectors will pave the way for the well-being of the peoples of both countries,” he said.

The prime minister noted that Pakistan-UAE ties are grounded in shared religious and cultural values and mutual trust, and credited the leadership of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and later President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, with strengthening those bonds.

Sharif also highlighted the role of Pakistani workers and professionals based in the UAE, saying their contributions “positively” reinforce the partnership.

He said the “warmth between our two peoples” reflects deep public affection on both sides, expressing hope that the relationship would “grow from strength to strength in the times to come.”