Over four decades ago, the people of the United Arab Emirates led by His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, UAE's founder and former President came together committed to a vision - to devote the nation's resources to modern development. On this day, the people of the emirates celebrates the 43rd year of firm commitment to this vision under the leadership of the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice President and Prime Minister His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
The residents of the UAE, both local and foreign, are now enjoying the modern housing, advanced healthcare and education, as well as facilities for the renewable energy with technologies to sustain it. Also noteworthy developments to date are the strengthened role of Emirati women, modernised services, and the importance given to the needs and protection of overseas workers. Looking at one direction, the United Arab Emirates has constantly emerged as one of the stable countries growing aggressively in the middleeast region.
More than the generous culture and strong heritage, UAE celebrates and takes honour of its contribution to the world economy through the resources the nation is blessed. Pakistan culturally, geographically and strategically enjoys very strong ties with the UAE, which has flourished since decades and have since developed into wide-ranging co-operation in various fields. The emerging economic relations between Pakistan and United Arab Emirates is not only paving way for further strengthening the economy but would also lead towards economic co-operation amongst the Islamic world.
It is due to strong relations between the two countries & its people that today we see major economic growth and development. On the cultural front too both nations share mutual interest. It is evident that their bonding is a big stepping stone towards the betterment of the entire Muslim Nation, as it has existed from the early times and we still have ample of opportunities to extend bilateral ties.
As we celebrate this National day, I would like us to celebrate the successes of the deep rooted human ties that bind us, and the endless opportunities that will continue to keep us connected and also resolve that we shall spare no efforts to further strengthen the fraternal ties between our two countries through mutual co-operation in all fields.
We have seen many meetings and delegations between the leaders and high officials of the two countries whose main focus too is on encouraging public and private investment in joint ventures in the fields of energy, agriculture, construction and infrastructure development.
UAE has emerged as one of Pakistan's major economic and trading partners. It is also the single largest investor in Pakistan. Currently, volume of Pakistan's export to UAE is over US $2 billion. A large number of Pakistani expatriates, numbering nearly 10,00,000 are gainfully employed in the UAE, While major investments have been made by the UAE companies in Pakistan Some of these more prominent organisations are Pak Arab Refinery, PTCL, UBL, Bank Alfalah, Warid, Wateen Telecom, Al-Ghazi Tractors, Emirates Airlines, Etihad Airways, IFFCO, Dubai Ports World, Abraaj Capital, Emaar, Dubai Islamic Bank, Maaza Beverages to name a few.
On this special occasion I would like to highlight the efforts made by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces who pledged a donation of USD 120 million (AED 440 million) in support of a child health initiative to eradicate polio from Pakistan by 2018. Zayed Bin Sultan Al- Nahyan's Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation and Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan's Foundation have contributed immensely in aid projects to Pakistan whereas U.A.E Red Crescent through U.A.E Pakistan Assistance Programme is helping in infrastructural development and rehabilitation programmes across the country.
On the 43rd National Day I would also like to outline how U.A.E has developed into a modern, mature and self-sufficient nation with a stable political system, dynamic economy and free society. Inspired by its unique historical heritage and proud of its spectacular achievements based on the principles of rule of law, strong social policy and the gradualness of reforms.
I consider myself fortunate to have been serving in a country that produces such wonderful people... a Country that we care so much about. I would conclude once again by wishing the Peoples of both the countries a very Happy National Day.
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