President Asif Ali Zardari, describing relations between UAE and Pakistan as "outstanding" and based on cultural, religious and historical bonds, expressed admiration of the UAE's achievements and multifaceted march of development. In an interview with UAE daily Khaleej Times on Friday, President Zardari noted that relations between the leaders of the two countries existed even in the mid 60s before the founding of the UAE by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
The President said Pakistan was the first country to establish a diplomatic mission in the UAE after December 2, 1971, when it already had a trade office in the UAE. Speaking about the opportunities for expanding co-operation in technical and labour spheres, Zardari noted that around one million Pakistani nationals live in the UAE and work in different sectors such as banking, farming, construction and services.
He said the government and people of Pakistan played a role in building the UAE's institutions such as armed forces, educational institutions, municipal services and banks. The UAE under the prudent and enlightened leadership of President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan is playing an outstanding role in building the economic and social institutions in Pakistan, he said.
President Zardari said the UAE is one of the biggest foreign investors in Pakistan, adding that Pak Arab Refinery Ltd (Parco), a joint venture between the governments of Pakistan and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, is one of the largest companies in Pakistan's corporate sector.
Sheikh Zayed Hospital in Lahore is an example of co-operation between the two countries. President Zardari said other Pakistani sectors, which receive UAE's investments include oil refining, banking, telecommunications and real estate. He said with $7 billion trade with Pakistan, the UAE ranks as Pakistan's second largest trade partner after the United States.
"With a population of 170 million, Pakistan is a significant source of skilled labour and expertise which are necessary for modern industries in the UAE," he added. President Zardari said that as the country's president, he was "making efforts to transform the UAE-based Pakistani workers into skilled and specialised workforce".
He congratulated the UAE's leadership on the country's 38th National Day, hailing achievements made in areas such as economy, environmental preservation as well as its initiatives for renewable and clean energy. He also noted the UAE's success in hosting the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in Abu Dhabi, which he said is also a source of pride for Pakistan.
"Pakistan supports the UAE's bid to acquire civilian nuclear energy, which is in harmony with IRENA's regulations to meet the increasing demands of its growing economy and population," the President said. He welcomed the UAE's steps towards building its first nuclear reactor to meet the demands of the unprecedented growth and diversify its energy resources.