UAE Ambassador to Pakistan Essa Abdullah Al Basha Al Nuaimi UAE has underscored the depth of bilateral relations between the UAE and Pakistan, describing them as excellent and based on common history, religion and culture. In an interview with both Pakistani newspapers The Nation and Nawa-i-Waqt published simultaneously yesterday, he congratulated President Asif Ali Zardari and people of Pakistan on the occasion of Independence Day of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, wishing more progress and prosperity to Pakistan. The UAE envoy said Pakistan was the first country to recognize the formation of the UAE\'s Union, citing the cooperation ties between the two countries, especially in the areas of economy, trade and social care.