UAE, Pakistan share culture, history

abu dhabi — Pakistan and the UAE enjoy close, fraternal ties grounded in commonalities of culture and history, said Ambassador Asif Durrani.

Speaking at a reception to celebrate Pakistan Day, the ambassador said UAE-Pakistan relations are deep-rooted and go beyond commercial interest.

“Our 1.3 million community is positively contributing to strengthening these relations,” he told a gathering of government officials, diplomats, military attaches and community members. Shaikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister for Culture and Knowledge Development was the chief guest on the occasion.

Talking about the war against terrorism which has entered in the final phase in his country, Durrani said Pakistan has shown “resilience and courage”, in the face of even the most daunting adver- sity. And with each challenge, “Pakistan has bounced back stronger and with greater resolve.

“We have acted not just for the sake of peace in our country, but also for peace and prosperity in the region and the world,” the ambassador said.

In combating the scourge, he said Pakistan stands resolutely by its friends and allies in the region.

He reiterated the Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif ’s assurance that “Pakistan does not abandon its friends and partners.” A clear manifestation of this was Pakistan’s participation in the joint military exercises Northern Thunder recently concluded in Saudi Arabia.

Pakistan possesses a diverse base of resources, not the least of which is its youthful population of 200 million. On geographical importance of Pakistan, he said: “Our land mass connects the Middle East with China, and Central Asia with South Asia.”