In a speech to the nation marking the UAE's 30th National Day, President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan said Saturday that the nation's achievements acquire greater value through the people's unity, steadfastness and determination to achieve the impossible on the road to progress, while preserving their traditions and customs.
Sheikh Zayed was quoted by Emirates’ official news agency (WAM) as saying that "we take pride in the achievements we have made so far and we look forward to continuing this progress.
"National loyalty is not just chanting slogans on this occasion or that, but instead is a never-ending process of giving, taking responsibility and fulfilling one's duties. The solidarity of the leadership and its people has had the greatest impact in supporting the federation and perpetuating its gains." Sheikh Zayed said, "We are observing National Day together with our brethren the Rulers and Crown Princes of the emirates, who accompanied us, shouldering burdens as if we were one hand and one heart and participating in the nation's happiness.
"There is a collective responsibility to redress the demographic imbalance."
Meanwhile, Sheikh Zayed reiterated that the UAE condemns terrorism and supports legitimate international action to eliminate it. Sheikh Zayed rejected an expansion of the war against terrorism to certain Arab countries.
Sheikh Zayed, who called upon Iran again to accept international arbitration or to conduct serious negotiations over the three islands of Greater and Lesser Tunbs and Abu Moussa, will chair today a session of the Supreme Council as part of observances of the country’s National Day.
The council, according to WAM, will discuss internal issues concerning the Federation's steady progress as well as the latest regional, Arab and international developments – Albawaba.com
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