Symposium on "UAE National Day"

Abu Dhabi, 26th Nov. 2008 (WAM) -- The Centre of Information Affairs in Abu Dhabi has organized a symposium on "UAE National Day" to celebrate the 37th national day of the United Arab Emirates.

A number ambassadors and diplomats accredited to the country participated in the event, in addition to an elite of politicians, and representatives of international organizations.

The Centre of Information Affairs in Abu Dhabi presented a paper which dealt with the role of President H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan in strengthening and protecting the gains of the Union, and his efforts to achieve further progress and prosperity for the country. It also touched upon the role of the men who launched the march since the establishment of the UAE federation.

The paper tackled the meanings of December the second and its significance in the historic march of the UAE people, as a symbol of concerted efforts to establish and strengthen the Union. The paper quoted Khalifa as saying, "December the second in 1971 will remain the great event." It highlighted the role of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, along with his brothers Their Highnesses Rulers of the emirates in establishing and building the Union with wisdom and ability.

The paper added that Sheikh Khalifa has introduced a thorough vision for enriching the countrys leadership, pointing out that His Highness policy in establishing social justice among the UAE citizens has been based on his constant dialogue and consultations with his people and his eagerness to meet citizens directly through the regular tours and visits he pays to them on the ground to be acquainted with their needs and concerns and to be assured that they are provided with the means to live a decent life.

H.E. Abdel Qader Zawi, Moroccan Ambassador, said that after 37 years of the establishment of the Federation, the UAE has the right to pride itself for being the only unified entity in the Arab region. He noted that if all peoples commemorate one event in their national day, the UAE is one of those few countries which celebrate two events in one day: decolonization and the establishment of its federation.

The Moroccan diplomat tackled the march of the Federation, indicating that its birth was not easy. Many difficulties and obstacles, he said, stood in its way on internal level, but the wisdom of the founding leaders and their farsightedness enabled them to overcome such challenges.

He added that after this difficult foundational stage, the UAE leaders started a new stage of building and construction, focusing on human development, as they considered man to be the only one who is able to protect and strengthen this union.

He said that the march of development was launched under the leadership of late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan who managed to exploit oil wealth to build infrastructures, diversify the base of the economy, and develop human resources.

The ambassador pointed out that after the passing of Sheikh Zayed, President H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has launched a new stage in the march of the Union, that is, the stage of empowerment which never was a political slogan raised on some occasion, but rather a stage of concrete and practical steps demonstrated in expanding peoples participation in political decision making as embodied in the partial election of the Federal National Council and the further confidence reposed in woman.

H.E. Rustum Al Zoubi, Syrian Ambassador, said it is a great honor to talk about the 37th anniversary which is held dear by the heart of every Arab who believes in the unity and dignity of his Arab nation. He pointed out that the establishment of United Arab Emirates (UAE) was achieved thanks to the free will of its people, the willingness of its leaders, and the sage leadership of late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his brothers the Rulers of the emirates.

This great historic event was, and it is still, considered a great historic achievement not only on the UAE level but also on the Arab and international levels, noted the Ambassador. He indicated that this event elevated the country to a distinguished status and earned it a great local, regional, and the international fame, so it was source of pride for all Arabs, he said.

Preserving this Arab federal experience throughout the past 37 years deserves our support, as it also offers us a hope that the unity of the Arab states is possible, if we have the will an determination to listen to the voice of people and their ambitions, he observed . He noted that unity is a power and strength, and our power stems from our unity and the unification of our stands to stave off the dangers threatening us.

The achievements the UAE has accomplished throughout these 37 years in all the fields politically, economically, socially, and culturally; and the stability and prosperity it enjoys, in addition to its ambition to reach the ranks of the advanced nations deserves our support and praise, said Syrian Ambassador. He indicated that this could not have been happened without the prudent leadership of President H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his brothers members of the Federal Supreme Council who have worked hard to achieve the interests of their people, and to build strong relations with the Arab and Muslim brotherly countries, and with the rest of the world.

The Syrian Ambassador praised the bilateral relations between UAE and Syria, stressing that they flourish in all economical and investment fields due to the directives of the great leaders, President H.E. Bashar al-Assad and President H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He expressed his hope that these relations be further developed to achieve the ambitions of the two brotherly peoples.

On his part, H.E. Fawzi fawaz, Lebanese Ambassador, said that one who wants to speak about UAE will inevitably find himself speaking about progress, culture, urbanization, modernization, development, tourism, hospitality, prosperity, stability, and security.

The Ambassador observed that "if we enjoy today these benefits, it is because there has been a wise leadership that stay awake at night so that the other enjoy peace of mind and tranquility." The Lebanese Ambassador said that evidence of this is the strength of the UAE country which withstood the global financial storm, and faced it with suitable measures and actions, which have brought tranquility to hearts and souls of the nationals and expatriates alike. The wise decree issued by President H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to protect the economy of the country is reminiscent of a similar decision made by the Sage of the Arabs, late Sheikh Bin Zayed Al Nahyan in the past, said the ambassador.

On his part, H.E. Jamal Shamayleh, Jordans Ambassador, said that the great achievements and progress the UAE has achieved in its 37th National Day anniversary could not have been realized without the efforts of late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan who managed, with wisdom, to lead the country economically and politically, elevating it to the highest levels of tolerance and peace, at the most hard times and crises that afflicted the region.

The Ambassador expressed his appreciation for the UAE leadership, government and people for their support to all Arab and Islamic nations who faced natural or man-made disasters. The UAE, he said, was always a source of relief to the suffering states and peoples. Its armed forces also participated with international peace-keeping forces in many places of the world, which is an evidence of the prudent policy adopted by the UAE to preserve the international peace and security.

He asserted that relations between Jordanian and UAE peoples go back to time prior to the establishment of the UAE federation, stating that these relations were established and strengthened by the late leaders King Hussein Ibn Talal and Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

He stressed that this policy has been followed and further strengthened by His Majesty King Abdullah II and his brother President H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with a view to elevating these brotherly relations to the highest levels in all fields.

H.E. Dr. Kahiri al Araidi, Palestinian Ambassador, said that the UAE 37th National Day is a great event in the Arab history, stating that credit for this great achievement goes to those whose strong will and determination made this Union a success and took care of it until it became what it is today: a strong federation and a successful country by all standards.

He said that in such an occasion, we cannot but recall late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan who was one of the Arab and Muslim distinguished leaders, and founder and builder of the UAE federation, as well as those who followed his right guidance and path, the best successors for the best predecessors, H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Their Highnesses Rulers of the emirates.

He lauded the efforts of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan in building and strengthening the political and legislative institutions in the country, mentioning His Highness recent directives on the amendment to the UAE constitution, with a view to strengthening political participation in the country.

He also commended the UAE efforts to increase womens political participation, whether through their membership of the Federal National Council or the cabinet, citing the convening of the 2nd Conference of the Arab Womens Organization in Abu Dhabi in November 2008, under the auspices of the mother of UAE, Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, in addition to other activities conducted to establish and protect womans political, social, and economic rights.

Concerning UAE-Palestinian relations, the Ambassador said that the Palestinian people and leadership, and national and government institutions express their appreciation, respect, and gratitude to the UAE and His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan who follows in the footsteps of his father, late Sheikh Zayed B in Sultan Al Nahyan, in supporting and protecting the legitimate right of the Palestinian people to liberation and the establishment of their independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.

H.E. Mohammed Sad Obaid, Egyptian Ambassador, stated that the UAE federation experience, led by late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his brothers Rulers of the emirates, will remain without doubt a source of pride and strength not only to the UAE people but also to all Arabs, because it represents a successful experience that bodes well for the principle of unity and solidarity, badly needed in our Arab nation.

He stressed that the regional and international circumstances in which the UAE federation was born were replete with challenges and difficulties, hence the decision to establish the Union was issued by a man who understood, through his wisdom and insight, that this Union was the only means with which the seven emirates could build their future and face challenges.

He praised the tremendous progress and achievements realized in the UAE in the eras of both late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and President H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

He affirmed that the successes of the United Arab Emirates in all economic, political, social, and technological fields are in the interest of the UAE and Arab citizens in the 21st century.

He asserted that UAE-Egypt relations occupy a prominent status in the UAE foreign policy, and that personal prelationship between H.E. President Mohammed Hosni Mubarak and his brother President H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has always given impetus to strengthening relations between the two brotherly countries.

H.E. Husain Al Amin Al Fadil, Charge D Affaires at Sudanese Embassy, said that the march of the UAE federation has strengthened and achieved great achievements, both on the national and international levels, which earned it high status among nations and peoples all over the world. The UAE, he noted, has achieved many things since the inception of its federation in 1971 under the leadership of late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He pointed out that after the demise of late Sheikh Zayed in November 2004, President H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan took over the affairs of the state, and since then he has been continuing the march of development on all levels considering man and his advancement the main factor behind any sensible development.

The UAEs conception of development reflects a progressive awareness and understanding of the role of development, as the country stresses that the economic development is one of the top priorities and goals of the UAE society. But economic development, essential as it is, does not reflect a real development, he said stressing that there is a need to include other social and cultural elements in the process, and this has been embodied by President H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyans assertion on the national identity of the country and his declaration that the year 2008 is the year of identity, stated the diplomat.

The economic development the UAE witnessed could not have been achieved without huge investments in infrastructures such as road networks, wire and wireless communications, water and electricity services, in addition to building airports and seaports that link the United Arab Emirates with the world.

The Sudanese envoy tackled the nature of relations between the Sudan and UAE, indicating that they go back to the 1970s and has developed to its current distinguished level.

On his part, H.E. Bebaha Ould Brahim Khlil, Mauritanian Ambassador, said that President H. H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has taken the UAE federation to further development and strength. In His Highness era, he observed, UAE has made great stride in the economic growth, social prosperity, and progress in knowledge and science due to his insightful vision which was embodied in the empowerment speech His Highness delivered on the occasion of the 34th anniversary of the UAE National Day, explained the Ambassador.

He expressed the congratulations and best wishes of Mauritanian government, people and himself to President H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his brothers Their Highnesses Rulers of the emirates on the occasion of the 37th anniversary of UAE National Day.

He said that late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan led the UAE in its modern development march and its distinguished federal experience. "If most of the aspects of such a march deserves praise and appreciation, the success of Sheikh Zayed and his brothers the Rulers of the emirates in building this federation on a strong basis that kept it away from the setbacks that had afflicted the Arab unification experiences also deserves to be praised and taken as an example in the Arab arena," observed the Mauritanian Ambassador.

He said that steps were being accelerated to build a strong national economy based on knowledge; sophisticated infrastructure, and flexible, transparent, and legislative environment, in addition to urban development, education and health services which are burgeoning in all over the UAE, thus making the country a cultural hub in the Gulf region and a center for cultural industry in the world.

The Mauritanian Ambassador asserted that the Islamic Republic of Mauritania and the United Arab Emirates have built strong relations laid down by the two late leaders Mokhtar Ould Daddah and Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan. Blood ties, history, religion and similarity in the physical environment have strengthened these ties, said the Ambassador, stressing that his country is determined to follow in the footsteps of the predecessors to continue strengthening and enhancing these relations.

H.E. Talmiz Ahmad, Ambassador of India, said that President H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has been able to carry forward the legacy of his father, late Sheikh Zayed, and has enjoyed the same popular appeal in the UAE and the region that his revered father had enjoyed over the years, through his benevolent initiatives for the betterment of social conditions of the UAE nationals.

Under the able guidance of His Highness, the UAE economy has surged at a fast pace and gained importance in West Asia, making the UAE a strategic financial, commercial and trans-shipment center, said the Indian Ambassador, adding that President H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has continued the liberal economic policies of his predecessor.

He noted that despite the global financial slowdown, UAE has taken effective steps to ensure that there is no effect of this phenomena on the UAE economy. The ambassador praised the UAE Government measures in providing stability to the financial and banking sector and the cut in production to ensure stability and balance in the World Oil Market amid drop in crude oil demand triggered by the Financial Global Crisis.

He said that the UAE was marching ahead so far as economic progress was concerned which was also evident from the World Economic Forum's "Global Competitiveness Report" of 2008 according to which, UAE ranked 31st.

He added that His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed has made impressive contributions to UAEs foreign policy which is based on firm principles, including total commitment to the UN Charter, respect for international laws and agreements, and the establishment of bilateral ties with all countries of the world on the basis of mutual respect, non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, resolution of disputes through dialogue and peaceful means.

H.E. said that India and UAE have established a strong partnership in the field of commerce and trade which was diversifying and emerging into a strategic partnership with emphasis on cooperation in defense and energy.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2008.