Pakistan Day reception in Abu Dhabi celebrates strong bilateral ties with UAE

Abu Dhabi: In a vibrant celebration of Pakistan’s National Day, the Embassy of Pakistan in Abu Dhabi hosted a reception attended by UAE government officials, diplomats, and the Pakistani community.

The event, attended by Sheikh Nahayan bin Mabarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, not only marked Pakistan’s historic achievements but also underscored the ongoing strength of the UAE-Pakistan partnership, including thriving trade relations. Pakistan Day falls on March 23 but the official reception was held on Tuesday, April 8, in Abu Dhabi.

The reception was a significant occasion to reflect on the historical importance of the Pakistan Resolution, which laid the foundation for the creation of Pakistan in 1947. The day celebrates Pakistan’s independence and its ongoing progress towards national development, with Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi emphasising the enduring spirit of resilience and unity that the country continues to embody.

Key pillars

During his address, Ambassador Tirmizi highlighted the key pillars of Pakistan’s socioeconomic development, including the growing youth population, expanding women’s participation in public life, the potential of agriculture, rich cultural heritage, and burgeoning IT sector.

He expressed optimism about Pakistan’s future, pointing out that these areas, coupled with a progressive government agenda, are crucial for the country’s path towards sustainable growth and achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Tribute

The event also paid tribute to the UAE’s impressive economic development over the last five decades, a success attributed to the visionary leadership of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the ongoing guidance of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The UAE’s remarkable transformation has strengthened the bilateral ties between the two nations, with trade and investment flourishing in recent years.

Bilateral relations

Pakistan-UAE bilateral trade has seen a steady increase, with the UAE becoming one of Pakistan’s largest trading partners in the Middle East. Recent reports show that bilateral trade between the two countries is valued at over $8 billion annually. Pakistan exports a wide range of goods to the UAE, including textiles, agricultural products, and IT services, while the UAE is a major investor in various sectors within Pakistan, including energy, infrastructure, and real estate.

To further enhance these ties, Ambassador Tirmizi spoke of the 1.7 million-strong Pakistani diaspora in the UAE, whose contributions are instrumental in strengthening the socioeconomic bonds between the two countries.

Book launching

In a symbolic gesture of respect and friendship, the Embassy also launched a book titled “Sheikh Zayed Maimaar-e-Watan” written by well-known Pakistani businessman in UAE Khan Zaman Suroor. The book honours the late UAE founder and serves as a tribute from the Pakistani community to the UAE people and government.

The evening concluded with the recognition of Pakistani entrepreneur Adnan Niaz, who was awarded the Sitara-i-Imtiaz for his exceptional services, further highlighting the deep-rooted and ever-growing relations betw