Speaking to Khaleej Times on Wednesday evening during celebrations at the Hilton hotel in Abu Dhabi to mark the Pakistan Defence Day, he said the defence relations between the two countries dated back to the early 1970s and have grown over the years.
“The UAE is the second home for us and whatever coordination this country needs in defence, we provide,” Junejo said.
The Pakistan Defence Day falls on September 6, marking the defending of the country’s then capital Lahore against India, but celebrations were postponed in the UAE due to Ramadan.
“We also provide training to the UAE’s armed forces in Al Ain,” Junejo said.
“Many army cadets of the UAE visit Pakistan for training purposes. Our relations with the UAE are not only on the basis of state-to-state but it is by heart-to-heart.
“Over one million Pakistanis reside in the UAE who played a pivotal role to make this country develop.”
A large number of people from the Pakistani business community and many ambassadors, diplomats, military attaches and prominent community members gathered for the event. Major-General Mubarak Salem Al Mazrouei, commander of the UAE Land Forces, UAE Armed Forces, was the chief guest on the occasion.
Air Commodore Khawar Hussain, Defence Attache at the Pakistani Embassy in Abu Dhabi, said the two countries have seen growth in ties in various areas, including defence which, he said, is expected to continue.
“Pakistan’s everlasting collaboration with the UAE and its armed forces is the cornerstone of our foreign policy, hoping that the existing brotherly relations between the two countries’ armed forces continue to flourish in the days ahead,” Hussain said.
“The defence forces of Pakistan have contributed significantly during the formative years of the UAE Armed Forces. Today, we take pride in the fact that the UAE Armed Forces are one of the most well-equipped and well-trained forces in the region.”
