ISLAMABAD: The United Arab Emirates ambassador to Pakistan, Hamad Obaid Al-Zaabi, on Thursday congratulated Pakistan on its 79th Independence Day, praising progress in bilateral relations and highlighting cooperation in trade, economic growth and regional peace.

The UAE has long been one of Pakistan’s closest Gulf partners, home to over 1.6 million Pakistani expatriates and a vital source of remittances, which contribute significantly to Islamabad’s foreign exchange reserves.

The Emirates is also Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner after US and China, with ties spanning energy, logistics, agriculture and investment in ports and infrastructure.

“As I enter my eighth year in this beautiful country, it is both an honor and a joy to join my Pakistani brothers and sisters in celebrating this cherished Independence Day,” Al-Zaabi said in a statement on the occasion of Aug. 14, the day Pakistan became an independent nation in 1947.

“Over the past year, our two nations have achieved notable milestones — advancing economic cooperation, expanding trade opportunities, and working side by side to promote peace, stability, and shared prosperity in our region.”