UAE-Pakistan Ties Grow Stronger: Field Marshal Asim Munir Meets UAE National Security Advisor

Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, held high-level discussions with His Highness Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security Advisor of the United Arab Emirates, in Abu Dhabi on February 16, 2026.

According to a statement released by Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the meeting focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors, with particular emphasis on economic collaboration, investment, and security. The two leaders also exchanged views on regional developments and underscored the importance of continued coordination to promote peace and stability in the region.

Pakistan-UAE Economic Cooperation and Investment

Field Marshal Munir expressed sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Government of the United Arab Emirates for its longstanding investments and continued support to Pakistan's economy and security over the decades. He noted that such support reflects the deep-rooted historical relations between the two brotherly countries and commended the constructive role of the UAE leadership in advancing economic and social development in Pakistan.

According to the Pakistan Observer, the army chief affirmed that the security and stability of the United Arab Emirates are an integral part of Pakistan's own security, given the enduring historical relations and strong strategic partnership between the two countries. He reiterated Pakistan's firm commitment to continuing joint efforts to further strengthen this partnership in all fields, in a manner that serves the interests of both brotherly peoples and contributes to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.

The United Arab Emirates has emerged as one of Pakistan's most significant economic partners in recent years. According to Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the UAE's public and private sectors have invested more than $10 billion in Pakistan over the past two decades across sectors including communications, services, tourism, information technology, oil and gas, housing, banking, and real estate.

Recent investments have focused on critical infrastructure and strategic sectors. According to The National, International Holding Company acquired a majority stake in Pakistan's state-owned First Women Bank in late 2025, while AD Ports signed a 50-year agreement to develop Karachi Port.

According to UrduPoint, the UAE Ambassador to Pakistan stated in February 2026 that both countries are at the final stage of signing a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which would significantly boost bilateral trade. The current trade volume of $8 to $10 billion does not reflect the true strength of relations, and the UAE government aims to double this figure.

Regional Security and Defense Cooperation

The meeting takes place against a complex regional security backdrop. Pakistan faces significant security challenges on its western border with Afghanistan, where tensions with the Taliban regime have escalated over cross-border militancy. According to Al Jazeera, the Afghanistan-Pakistan conflict killed 1,034 people in 2025 alone, compelling Pakistan to divert critical military resources to the frontier.

Despite these challenges, Pakistan has expanded its defense diplomacy in the Middle East and North Africa. In September 2025, Saudi Arabia formalized a Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement with Pakistan, stating that an attack on one country would be treated as an attack on both. According to Al Jazeera, Pakistan also signed a $4 billion defense deal with Libya's eastern commander Khalifa Haftar, including 16 JF-17 fighters and 12 Super Mushak trainer aircraft.

Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan holds one of the most influential positions in UAE politics and business. Appointed as National Security Advisor in 2016, he was named Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi in 2023. According to The National, he chairs the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the world's largest sovereign wealth funds managing assets estimated at over $1.5 trillion, as well as First Abu Dhabi Bank, Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company (ADQ), and International Holding Company (IHC).

He also founded G42, a UAE-based artificial intelligence and cloud computing company that partners with multinational corporations such as Microsoft, positioning the UAE as a technology innovation hub.

Pakistan Army Chief's Strategic Engagements

This meeting follows Field Marshal Munir's participation in the Munich Security Conference 2026 in Germany, according to Pakistan Observer, highlighting Pakistan's active engagement in international security dialogues.

Field Marshal Munir was promoted to field marshal in May 2025, making him only the second general in Pakistan's history to achieve that rank. In December 2025, he was appointed as Pakistan's first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) for five years, according to Arab News, consolidating oversight of joint operations and inter-service integration into a single role.

The meeting underscores the strategic importance both nations place on their bilateral relationship. As Pakistan seeks foreign investment to support economic recovery and the UAE continues to diversify its investment portfolio, the partnership appears poised for expansion.

Pakistan's assertion that UAE security is integral to its own security reflects the depth of strategic alignment between the two nations, built on decades of economic, defense, and diplomatic cooperation.