United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan will arrive in Pakistan today (Friday) on an official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and reviewing regional security issues, officials said.

The visit is being undertaken at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and will be Sheikh Mohamed’s first trip to Pakistan since assuming office as President of the UAE. He will be accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising ministers and senior officials.

President Asif Ali Zardari is scheduled to host the visiting leader, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will hold talks with Sheikh Mohamed covering the full spectrum of bilateral relations.

Discussions are expected to focus on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, energy and development, along with defence collaboration and matters related to regional peace and stability.

Officials said arrangements for the visit have been finalised and the UAE president will be accorded a grand welcome on arrival.

A joint statement is expected at the conclusion of the visit, outlining key understandings and future areas of cooperation between Pakistan and the UAE.

Officials described the visit as an important step in further deepening the longstanding brotherly relations between the two countries and advancing shared regional interests.