Abu Dhabi, July 27 - The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has conferred the prestigious 'Order of Independence' award on Iranian envoy Hamid Reza Asefi for his contribution in bolstering ties between the two nations, WAM news agency reported Monday.

UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan presented the award of 'First Degree' to the outgoing Iranian diplomat Monday in appreciation of his 'generous contributions to the boosting of relations of cooperation between the UAE and Iran in various areas', the report said.

Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who received Asefi at the presidential place, congratulated and wished him success in his future assignment.

The outgoing ambassador, in return, expressed profound gratitude to the UAE ruler for appreciating his works and conferring with the great honour.

Asefi also praised Sheikh Khalifa for his wise policy and the role he plays at the regional and international levels.

Iran has a cordial relationship with the UAE, which is the top trade partner of the Islamic country with their bilateral trade reaching $14 billion as of 2008.