- The Pakistan-UAE relations are deeply rooted and becoming stronger, says Ambassador Hamad Obaid Al-Zaabi
- General Qamar Javed Bajwa attended the reception as special guest
ISLAMABAD: UAE Ambassador to Pakistan, Hamad Obaid Al Zaabi, hosted a reception in Islamabad on Monday evening to mark the 47th National Day of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Pakistan’s Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa attended the reception as a special guest.
Speaking at the occasion, Ambassador Al Zaabi said that the Pakistan-UAE relations were deeply rooted and becoming even stronger with time.
He added that 1.6 million Pakistani were living a life of dignity and respect in his country and substantially contributing to its prosperity.
This year, UAE’s National Day has coincided with the 100th birth anniversary of the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the Gulf state.
Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Energy and Power Division, Omar Ayub Khan, also addressed the ceremony and extended felicitations and sincere wishes to the leaders and people of the United Arab Emirates on its national day.
The minister said that UAE had agreed to have a long-term strategic partnership with Pakistan during the recent visit of Prime Minister Imran Khan.
“The relationship between the two countries have touched new heights,” Omar said.
A large number of foreign diplomats, parliamentarians, politicians, religious scholars, security officials, members of business community, and journalists were also among the participants of the reception.
The event was followed by a grand dinner where guests were served traditional Arabian and Pakistani cuisine.
Earlier on Sunday, Prime Minister Khan congratulated the people and leaders of the UAE on the 47th National Day in a special message.
In a felicitation letter to the UAE leaders, Khan said the development, prosperity and good governance of the United Arab Emirates remained exemplary in the last 47 years.
The prime minister added that the relations between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates were based on mutual support and cooperation and would further strengthen in future.
Since the prime minister first took office in August, he has visited the UAE twice this year with an objective to boost friendly ties and cooperation between the two nations.
Pakistan’s State Minister for Interior, Shehryar Afridi, said in tweet on Monday that the UAE had done wonders in growth, development and good governance in a short span of 47 years. “… Most importantly they have been trendsetters in looking into the future. Proudly sharing strong ties with UAE. Wishes from Pak on National Day.”