On 8-9 September 2025, Major General Humaid Abdulla Alremeithi, the Commander of the United Arab Emirates Naval Forces, paid a visit to Pakistan. The two-day visit underscored the deepening defence relationship between the two nations. At the Joint Staff Headquarters in Rawalpindi, he met the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza. He also met with the Air Chief at Air Headquarters, Islamabad, and the Naval Chief at Naval Headquarters. The trip consisted of ceremonial honors and centered around regional security issues. It reiterated how deeply Pakistan and the UAE have military cooperation.
Call on Pakistan’s Joint Chiefs
A meeting was held between Major General Humaid Mohammed Abdulla Alremeithi, Commander of the UAE Naval Forces, and General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, at the Joint Staff Headquarters in Rawalpindi. The meeting was significant. It concentrated on regional and international security matters. Special emphasis was given to the Indian Ocean region. The two nations have common interests there. The leaders talked about enhancing defense cooperation. They examined collaborative planning. Their interoperability between the forces was also emphasized. General Mirza reiterated the Pakistani commitment to the UAE. He described the UAE as a reliable defense partner. He emphasized that combined efforts are necessary to protect the peace within the region. He emphasized the importance of maritime security in stability. He emphasized that robust defense relationships are the foundation of the larger Pakistan-UAE engagement.
Major General Alremeithi praised the professionalism of the Pakistani forces. He offered a tribute to their sacrifices in the war against terrorism. He also credited Pakistan’s role in facilitating peace in South Asia and other regions. A tri-services contingent welcomed him on arrival with a Guard of Honor. The way he made the gesture showed the significance of the visit. It laid the groundwork to begin the discussions. The session concluded with the reaffirmation of both parties’ intention to deepen cooperation. They committed to enhancing cooperation in the maritime and other defence sectors. The discussions provided the foundation of a closer strategic relationship. The meeting indicated that both nations were interested in collaborating to achieve regional peace and sustainable stability.
Meeting with the Chief of Pakistan Air Force
Major General Alremeithi flew to Islamabad and met Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu at Air Headquarters. The discussion was about regional security. Both leaders talked about new avenues of collaboration. They discussed joint training and closer military-to-military relations. Air Chief Sidhu expressed his vision of the Pakistan Air Force. He outlined how it will be made modern, agile, and technology-driven. He cited work in cyber, space, artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, and aerospace. He also indicated that Pakistan and the UAE had close historical and religious connections. He reiterated that Pakistan would further strengthen defense relations with the UAE by asserting that trust and mutual strategic interests were the basis of the relationship.
Major General Alremeithi appreciated the efforts of indigenization and technological development of the Pakistan Air Force. He mentioned that the UAE has an interest in learning about the experience of Pakistan in multi-domain warfare. He explained that joint air exercises and training are essential in enhancing interoperability. Both sides reiterated their determination to increase defense and military engagement. They emphasized a common interest in regional stability and collective security.
Discussions at Naval Headquarters
In Naval Headquarters, Alremeithi met with the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf. He received the full military honors, including a guard of honor, which showed respect and hospitality by Pakistan. The discussions were based on mutual interests. They touched upon the security of sea routes, the necessity of enhanced maritime patrols, and the future of increased naval collaboration. He added that these initiatives also enhanced the fraternal relationship between the two countries. Admiral Ashraf referred to the Regional Maritime Security Patrols of the Pakistan Navy. He explained the move as a significant move towards enhancing peace and stability in the regional waters.
Major General Alremeithi applauded the efforts of the Pakistan Navy and reiterated the willingness of the UAE to widen cooperation. He emphasized the necessity of combined naval drills, intelligence, and technology transfer to cope with emerging demands. Both commanders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing defense ties between the UAE and Pakistan. The discussions at the Naval Headquarters emphasized a common vision of maritime security and stability in the Arabian Sea and the Gulf areas.
Source: DGPR (Navy)
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
The visit of Major General Alremeithi highlighted the resilience of the Pakistan-UAE defense relationships. All the meetings emphasized collective training, knowledge sharing, and coordinated reaction to security issues. The two nations are interested in ensuring the safety of maritime trade routes as well as countering asymmetric threats in the Arabian Sea. Air Chief Sidhu mentioned historic and religious connections between the two countries. His remarks reflected the deep roots of the partnership, even as discussions focused on modern defense capabilities and future cooperation.
On 9 September 2025, President Asif Ali Zardari awarded Major General Alremeithi the Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military). The award was based on his contribution towards bolstering military relations between Pakistan and the UAE. The ceremony was conducted in Islamabad at Aiwan-e-Sadr at the invitation of Admiral Ashraf. President Zardari appreciated the fact that the UAE commander had long-term relations with the armed forces of Pakistan. The award signified the great confidence between the two nations. It was also a demonstration of Pakistan and its defense relationship with the UAE.
Source: Arab News
The visit will provide tangible outcomes. The partnership is well-established because Pakistan has been training UAE military personnel for a long. Officials indicated that new training programs will be developed to address the current defense requirements. Cross-service interoperability will also be enhanced through joint exercises. Another future cooperation priority is technology-sharing. The visit provided a symbolic and practical value as meetings with the CJCSC, service chiefs, and the President were held. Operation planning was directly linked to diplomatic gestures. The result confirmed the determination of both Pakistan and the UAE. The two countries are determined to enhance defense relations, ensure the security of the region, and develop strategic partnerships.
