UAE Minister of State for Tolerance, Lubna Al Qasimi, participates in 70th National Day of Pakistan celebrations in Dubai

DUBAI, 27th March, 2017, (WAM) -- Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of State for Tolerance, stressed the strength of the bilateral ties between the UAE and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan through their leadership, government and people in various strategic, economic and societal fields.

On the occasion of the celebration of the 70th National Day of Pakistan by the Pakistan Association Dubai, she highlighted the depth of the strong brotherly ties between the two countries, and the attention given by the leadership and officials to strengthen their unified humanitarian values and uphold the Islamic identity and historical heritage, in which the noblest values of solidarity, co-operation, sacrifice and giving are represented.

She emphasised the societal responsibility of the associations and clubs formed by the residing expatriates in the country to strengthen communication, dialogue and understanding channels between the components of the diverse Emirati community, and to work constantly to enrich these channels and sustain them through the programmes, initiatives and activities that are meant for everybody, regardless of their origin, sex, race, nationality, religion, doctrine or sect; because what connects humanity are its noble humanitarian values.

She also launched a public library to serve all members of society, in addition to an art exhibition discussing Pakistani history since the creation of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan 70 years ago.

Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi also clarified the principles of the pillars of the National Tolerance Programme, which are represented in Islam, the UAE Constitution, Zayed's legacy and ethics for the UAE, international conventions, archaeology and history, humanity, and common values.

She underlined the five main themes of the programme, which include strengthening the government's role as an incubator of tolerance, consolidating the role of the family in building a tolerant community, strengthening tolerance among young people and protecting them from fanaticism and extremism, enriching scientific and cultural content for tolerance, and participating in international efforts to strengthen tolerance and highlight the nation as a tolerant country.

She thanked the Community Development Authority in Dubai for its dedicated efforts in the exceptional work it does and for enriching the channels of communication and dialogue between the various clubs and associations of the expatriates residing in the country.