Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation in railway modernisation, infrastructure development, and governance reforms.
During a series of high-level engagements in Abu Dhabi, Minister of State for Finance and Railways, Bilal Azhar Kiyani, held meetings with UAE officials, including H.E. Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, and Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Experience Exchange.
Mr Kiyani expressed appreciation for the UAE’s continued support, particularly under the MoU on Mutual Government Experience Exchange signed in June 2025. Both sides reviewed progress on knowledge exchange sessions and agreed on an action plan for future collaboration in institutional reform, service delivery, and governance.
At the Global Rail Infrastructure Conference and Exhibition, hosted by Etihad Rail, Mr Kiyani highlighted Pakistan’s vision for transforming its railway network into a modern, efficient, and environmentally sustainable system. He underscored the strategic importance of the Main Line-1 (ML-1) and Main Line-3 (ML-3) projects, describing them as crucial for regional connectivity and trade facilitation.
The Pakistani delegation also engaged with Etihad Rail executives to explore cooperation in freight logistics, technology sharing, and infrastructure upgrades. Mr Kiyani toured exhibition stalls showcasing regional innovations and also experienced the fast-track Abu Dhabi–Dubai railway, set to become operational in 2026.
Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi emphasised that Pakistan’s presence at the conference boosted bilateral ties and regional connectivity, noting the UAE’s involvement in the ML-1 project. He said the conference provided Pakistan a vital platform to showcase its central role linking Central Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East.
Meetings with UAE leaders concluded on a positive note, with both sides agreeing to expand cooperation in governance, investment, railways, and sustainable economic growth.
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