President decorates UAE Naval Commander with Hilal-i-Imtiaz (M)

Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday decorated Commander UAE Naval Forces, Staff Maj General (Navy) Ibrahim Salim Mohamed Al Musharrakh, with Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military) during a special investiture ceremony held here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr.

The citation read on the occasion said that Staff Maj General (Navy) Ibrahim Salim Mohamed Al Musharrakh is a sincere and close friend of Pakistan.He has played a prominent role in expanding cooperation between United Arab Emirates (UAE) Navy and Pakistan Navy and strengthening the bond of friendship between the two nations.”In recognition of his professional achievements and endeavors for strengthening the friendship and cooperation between UAE Navy and Pakistan Navy and between the two countries, President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan has been pleased to confer the award of Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military) on Staff Maj General (Navy) Ibrahim Salim Mohamed Al Musharrakh-Commander UAE,” the citation said.

Later, the President had a meeting with the UAE Naval Commander. Those who were present during the meeting included Ambassador of
UAE Eisa Abdullah Al-Dasha Al-Nuaimi, Staff Col (N) Abdullah Al Shehhi, Col (N) Arif Muhammad Saeed Al Ali, Col (S) Ghanem Ali Ghanem Al Ali, and Major Ali Suleman Nasser Al Shamsi.

Defence Minister Syed Naveed Qamar, Secretary General M.Salman Faruqui, Senator Farhatullah Babar, Naval Chief Admiral Mohammad Asif Sandila, Secretary to President Malik Asif Hayat, Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani, Additional Secretary Defence, Rear Admiral Farrokh Ahmmad, and other senior officials were also present on the occasion.

Briefing about the meeting, Spokesperson to the President Senator Farhatullah Babar said that the President during the meeting underscored close and fraternal relations between Pakistan and UAE saying that these were rooted in cultural affinities, shared faith and traditions and interests.He said that around 1.2 million Pakistani nationals working in UAE and contributing towards its socio-economic development served as a strong bridge between the two countries.

The President also highlighted the great potential that existed between the two countries to further strengthen their relations especially in the area of trade and commerce.

The President expressed satisfaction over the ongoing collaboration between the two navies and their keenness to further cement the existing ties. The President also
offered training facilities to the UAE at Pakistan Naval Academy.

The President while highlighting great human resource potential of the country said that UAE may consider utilizing the services of Pakistan Naval personnel for UAE Navy and maritime sector.

Commander UAE Naval Forces, Staff Maj General (Navy) Ibrahim Salim Mohamed Al Musharrakh thanked the President for decorating him with the award and hoped that the cooperation between the two navies would be further strengthened in future.

Later, the President had a separate meeting with UAE Ambassador Eisa Abdullah Al-Dasha Al-Nuaimi.