Abu Dhabi: President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has reiterated his commitment to strengthening the role of the Federal National Council.
He also asserted his keenness on supporting the FNC to ensure its active participation in the development of national work, in the building of a state of law, and in the consolidation of the Shura approach that will take into account the customs and traditions of the UAE people, and its heritage and the components of its social and cultural fabric.
Official reply
The President's statement came yesterday when he received at Al Dhiyafa Palace Mohammad Ahmad Al Murr, the FNC Speaker, and members of the special committee set up to prepare a reply to the President's speech made during the FNC's opening session.
Shaikh Khalifa also received from Al Murr the official reply to the presidential address he had made while inaugurating the 15th legislative chapter of the country's parliament.
In the reply, the FNC reiterated its bonds with the leadership, commended the remarkable achievements the country has made at various levels, and said that it looks forward to seeing the government make a comprehensive review of its domestic policies for the country's progress commensurate with the requirements of sustainable development.
It also reflected the priorities and concerns of the country, including the demographic balance, nationalisation and welfare of the citizens.
Citizens' aspirations
The President said: "In the next stage, we expect the Council to translate the aspirations of the citizens and serve their causes in line with the plans and strategies of the federal government and its vision for the future.
"We also look forward to seeing the FNC continue its performance, as always, fulfilling the aspirations of the citizens through the development of objectives and decision-making, so that we can achieve effective communication with the citizen, listen to his voice, understand his orientations and respond to his aspirations."
Present during the meeting were Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs; Lieutenant General Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior; Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister; Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research; Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Public Works; Dr Anwar Mohammad Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Minister of State for FNC Affairs; and a number of Shaikhs and senior officials.
