UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum inaugurated the second ordinary session of the 14th legislative chapter of the Federal National Council (FNC) on November 19, 2007. A translation of his speech follows.
Supreme Council members, Federal National Council members, ladies and gentleman, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon you.
In the name of Allah, President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa, may Allah protect him, has given me the honour of addressing you today as we open the second ordinary session of the 14th legislative chapter of the Federal National Council.
In the past 35 years, the FNC has made remarkable achievements that have helped to promote national unity and the use of Shura (consultation) while playing an active role in the growth and development of the nation and providing citizens with dignified lives.
This new session opens just before the 36th anniversary of the federation. This anniversary inspires us to press on with our comprehensive development projects, equipped with determination and motivated by our forefathers' legacy, armed with ambitious visions for the future and a wide-ranging plan and government strategy, with the help of Allah and of our young people, from whom we expect a great deal.
This determination explains the progress we have made in the UAE and the rapidity with which we implement change.
It is natural for huge projects to have side-effects; we deal with these side-effects competently.
At the political level, we stand by our promise to export the UAE's experience in promoting participation in the FNC and in enhancing the FNC's role as an authority that observes and offers guidance.
We hope your respected council will truly participate and support the government and its policies by giving us ideas that enhance the effectiveness of government programs, that develop the citizens' potential and improve the quality of education, healthcare and social services and that develop laws and legislation in service of the country, national identity and the citizens' financial security. We want the FNC to bring us ideas and initiatives that will modernise the relationship between the nation and the community, ideas that will make the UAE into a model for modern, developed, open civil society.
Brothers and sisters, our country's rapid progress in all fields has enhanced its position at the regional, Arab and international levels and ensured that we have a voice and influence. Our country will continue to spread the message of love, peace and progress.
Our foreign policy will continue to have a strong foundation and a commitment to the principles of international law. We will continue to be a good neighbour and we will refrain from intervening in others' affairs. We will continue to establish bilateral relations based on balanced interests and mutual respect, to resolve disputes peacefully and to support pan-Arab work. We will continue to promote justice, to help our friends and to help to promote international security and peace.
We will continue to consult and coordinate with the other AGCC leaders and we appreciate their support in resolving the issue of our occupied islands peacefully by negotiation or by referring the dispute to the international court of justice.
It is painful for us to continue to witness the Palestinians' suffering while Israel occupies their land and refuses to allow enduring peace and justice. We reiterate our support for the Palestinian people and we ask Palestinian leaders to put their differences aside and work towards establishing an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.
It is with great concern that we watch what is happening in Iraq and we look forward to the day when Iraq's leaders can agree and work together to rebuild and develop their country.
As for Lebanon, we hope that current efforts will bring it out of its current crisis and we hope its leaders will be successful in reaching an agreement that resolves their disputes.
Brothers and sisters, FNC members, in conclusion, I extend all respect and appreciation to our brothers, Their Highnesses the Supreme Council members, for their efforts to strengthen and develop the UAE. We also extend our greetings and appreciation to every citizen who has worked hard to develop the UAE. We salute the Armed Forces and our security forces for protecting the UAE and keeping it safe.
We thank you, brothers, members and those who were members in the past. You lived up to our expectations and performed your duties faithfully. We expect even more effort of you.
The UAE continues to make progress, confidently and without hesitation, without taking a step backwards, with boundless ambition.
May Allah help and protect you.
