Abu Dhabi: The UAE has shown the world a model of a Muslim state that is tolerant towards its people and other faiths, said US President George W. Bush.
The UAE founding father, the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, has succeeded in building a country and a prosperous society, said Bush in his speech at Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi.
“You have encouraged your women to contribute to the development of your nation and they occupied some of the highest ministerial posts,'' Bush said to the high-profile audience, which included President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Bush termed elections to the UAE Federal National Council as historic. “Extremists have hijacked Islam and they hate your government and the United States,'' he said.
Bush said the United States believes it is necessary for governments in the Middle East to open their economies and boost liberty and tolerance.
