The UAE maintains close relations with Egypt and is Egypt's largest investor from the Arab world. Pakistan was the first country to formally recognize the UAE upon its formation and continues to be one of its major economic and trading partners. China and UAE are also strong international allies, with significant cooperation across economic, political and cultural lines. The largest expatriate presence in the UAE is Indian. Following the British withdrawal from the UAE in 1971 and the establishment of the UAE as a state, the UAE disputed rights to three islands in the Persian Gulf against Iran, namely Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb. The UAE tried to bring the matter to the International Court of Justice, but Iran dismissed the notion. The dispute has not significantly impacted relations because of the large Iranian community presence and strong economic ties. The UAE also has a long and a close relationship with the UK and Germany, and many European nationals reside in the UAE. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair serves as a funded adviser to the Mubadala Development Company, a wholly owned investment vehicle of the government of Abu Dhabi.