“In Times of Conflict, Chairman Gilani’s Diplomacy Triumphs
Dubai : Chairman Senate of Pakistan, H.E. Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, met with H.E. Dr. Tariq Humaid Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, First Vice-President of the Federal National Council (FNC) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), at the Al Majlis Alwatni Al Ittehadi. The Chairman was warmly received by H.E. Dr. Al Tayer and esteemed members of the Federal Council. This marked a significant moment in parliamentary diplomacy and regional strategic dialogue.
During the meeting, H.E. Dr. Al Tayer lauded the historical and brotherly relations between the UAE and Pakistan, underlining the shared desire to further expand bilateral cooperation for the mutual benefit of both countries. He remarked that the people and leadership of Pakistan hold a special place in the hearts of the Emirati leadership and citizens. He also highlighted the efforts of the UAE’s visionary leadership, particularly President H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in promoting cooperation through various agreements and MoUs across diverse sectors.
Chairman Gilani extended his deep appreciation to Dr. Altayer for hosting the meeting on short notice and reaffirmed the profound historical, religious, and cultural ties between Pakistan and the UAE. He emphasized the deep commonalities between the two brotherly nations, underlining their shared stances in global fora and their people-to-people connections across generations.
Highlighting that “diplomacy today is economy,” Gilani commended the UAE’s critical economic partnership with Pakistan, particularly in trade, investment, and development assistance. He expressed gratitude for the UAE’s steadfast support during key national challenges—floods, earthquakes, and counter-terrorism efforts—and acknowledged the 1.7 million-strong Pakistani diaspora as a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship.
Gilani emphasized the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in shaping regional peace. As the Founding Chairman of the Interparliamentary Speakers Conference, he welcomed the UAE’s participation in the forum and noted that this visit was his first bilateral engagement since assuming that role—underscoring its symbolic and strategic weight.
The Chairman proposed the acceleration of parliamentary engagement through the Pakistan-UAE Parliamentary Friendship Group (PFG) where his counterpart, Deputy First Speaker iterated formalizing cooperation via Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) between the Senate of Pakistan and the Federal National Council of the UAE to institutionalize structured dialogue and deepen collaboration.
Turning to regional dynamics, Gilani reiterated that the UAE holds a vital position as a bridge between Pakistan and India. He encouraged the use of parliamentary and diplomatic channels to advance normalization efforts and reaffirmed that enduring peace in South Asia rests on resolution of the Jammu & Kashmir issue. He also stressed upon the unilateral annulment of the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it a breach of trust that endangers regional water security. Speaking on recent developments, he reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to peace and stability, which he said is essential for progress and prosperity.
In response, H.E. Dr. Tariq Huamid Altayer assured that the UAE leadership “would leave no stone unturned” in playing a pivotal diplomatic role to normalize relations between Pakistan and India. He stated that the UAE values its strategic ties with both nations and is committed to fostering stability across the region.
“In times of tension, the language of diplomacy must prevail. Wisdom must guide our actions for peace and prosperity in South Asia,” Dr. Altayer remarked. He acknowledged that Kashmir remains a central issue and encouraged the continuation of efforts rooted in mutual respect, dialogue, and constructive engagement.
The meeting was also attended by H.E. Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Ambassador of Pakistan to the UAE, senior diplomats from the Pakistan Mission, and honorable members of the Federal Council. The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to expand inter-parliamentary coordination, pursue economic synergy, and promote shared goals of regional peace, prosperity, and diplomatic cooperation.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
