By Adnan Hameed TWA ______ The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) hosted a grand reception on the occasion of the 53rd National Day at a local hotel in Islamabad. The event began with the national anthems of the United Arab Emirates and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. A large number of friends of the UAE, businessmen, government officials, diplomats, representative of media and high-ranking officials attended the ceremony. The President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering support for territorial integrity and sovereignty of the United Arab Emirates. He was Addressing a ceremony held in connection with the 53rd UAE National Day in Islamabad, said today we celebrate remarkable journey of the UAE towards progress and prosperity as well as unwavering support and friendship with the people of Pakistan. The Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended the warmest felicitation to the government and people of UAE on their 53rd National Day on behalf of the people and government of Pakistan. PM Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan is immensely proud of unimaginable achievements which the UAE has undertaken in the last few decades under the visionary leadership of its President Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Neyan, who was not only a great friend of Pakistan, but deeply love the people of Pakistan. He further said the proactive approach of UAE President Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan towards transforming UAE along with the rulers of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid has rarely made a great place for the UAE in the comity of nations. The Prime Minister thanked the UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed for his support to Pakistan at very critical junctures and in recently IMF programme, saying that without the support of the UAE, this programme could not have been achieved. He said that UAE and Pakistan are two brotherly countries. He said we are very grateful to the UAE for being host to a large number of Pakistanis. The Prime Minister also extended gratitude to the UAE leadership for opening visa facility. He assured that Pakistan and the UAE together will march and make this friendship to touch highest level of friendship and brotherhood.

Earlier, addressing the occasion as Chief Guest, the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari said that Pakistan wanted to enhance cooperation with the UAE in key sectors, such as information technology, renewable energy, agriculture, and tourism. He invited UAE businesses to explore opportunities in Pakistan’s economy, including the Pakistan Stock Exchange, renewable energy, and other promising sectors as it offered an investment-friendly environment. The president appreciated the contributions of the 1.8 million-strong Pakistani diaspora in the UAE, who continue to play a vital role in the development of both countries. “This people-to-people connection exemplifies the mutual trust and goodwill between our countries,” he added. The president extended heartfelt congratulations to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and the people of the UAE on the country’s national day. He said that the UAE, since its unification, had made remarkable progress, emerging as a global hub for trade, investment, and tourism and credited the visionary leadership of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan for laying the foundation of the UAE’s prosperity and its enduring relationship with Pakistan.

Speaking at a reception to mark the UAE’s 53rd National Day – Eid Al-Etihad, Ambassador Al-Zaabi reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with Pakistan. “The UAE sees tremendous potential for collaboration with Pakistan across various sectors, including renewable energy, artificial intelligence, sustainability, economic diversification, and agriculture innovations,” he said.

The envoy stressed the importance of creating new opportunities for the youth of both nations, which would contribute to their mutual growth and benefit the wider region. “As we celebrate this historic occasion, we reaffirm our commitment to the values that have guided our nations through challenges and triumphs,” he added. Expressing heartfelt gratitude to the government of Pakistan for its warm hospitality and support, Ambassador Al-Zaabi voiced optimism about the future of UAE-Pakistan relations. “I am confident that our friendship will continue to grow stronger and endure for generations to come,” he concluded. On this occasion, a commemorative cake adorned with the national flag of the UAE was cut by Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Alzaabi, Ambassador of the UAE, along with the Chief Guest, President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari, and Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.