PR No.34
REMARKS OF FOREIGN MINISTER SHAH MAHMOOD QURESHI ON THE OCCASION OF 50TH NATIONAL DAY OF UAE
Islamabad: December 02, 2021

Federal Ministers, Members of Parliament, Ambassador Hamad Al Zabi, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Ladies and Gentlemen, Assalam-o-Alaikum – peace be upon you all! Today, we are not only celebrating the Golden Jubilee of the unification of United Arab Emirates but also 50 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and UAE. I bring warmest greetings from the leadership of Pakistan for UAE leadership. Pakistan and UAE have excellent fraternal relations underpinned by a shared heritage and multifaceted cooperation. The tremendous progress achieved by UAE would not have been possible without the visionary leadership of the Founding Father of United Arab Emirates, His Highness Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The great leader had a lot of affection for Pakistan. He took personal interest in many socio-economic projects in Pakistan and also encouraged Pakistani workers to work in UAE. These Pakistanis are a strong bridge between Pakistan and UAE. Successive leaders of UAE have risen to the high standards set by His Highness Sheikh Zayed and have strengthened and diversified relations with Pakistan. Ladies and Gentlemen, Pakistan-UAE relations were reinvigorated after election of Prime Minister Imran Khan. Repeated visits by him and His Highness Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan generated new momentum in our bilateral ties. My counterpart and I have also met several times to follow-up on the decisions taken by our leaders. Our close consultations have resulted in better understanding on political, regional and international issues of mutual concern. Our trade and economic ties have also been buttressed. We have also been working closely at international fora. We congratulate UAE on its election to the United Nations Security Council for the term 2022-23 and for hosting COP-28. On the golden jubilee of UAE’s foundation, we rejoice in its great achievement of successfully holding Expo 2020. It is the first ever World Expo in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (MENASA) region. In the spirit of our love for UAE, Pakistan has participated enthusiastically in the Expo. President of Pakistan visited UAE to inaugurate Pakistan Pavilion which has won praise for being one of the most vibrant, active and colourful pavilions. Showcasing the ‘Hidden Treasures of Pakistan’, it has been one of the most frequented pavilions. Economic and trade ties between Pakistan and UAE are an important part of our bilateral relationship and have been growing steadily. With bilateral trade of over $ 8 billion, UAE remains Pakistan’s largest trading partner in the Middle East and North Africa Region. It is also among the largest foreign investors in Pakistan. With steady progress of China Pakistan Economic Corridor and operationalization of Gwadar port, Pakistan is ready to connect the Middle East with Afghanistan and onwards with Central Asia. Enhanced connectivity between our regions will yield rich dividends for our peoples. Ladies and Gentlemen, In conclusion, I once again extend heartiest facilitations from the people and Government of Pakistan to the people of UAE and its leadership on the Golden Jubilee of their unification. We wish them phenomenal success in all their endeavours.

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