Khalifa: New Cabinet boost for federal plan

Al Ain: The revamped UAE Cabinet will translate the federal strategy into action through practical steps and will take the nation to new heights of progress and prosperity, President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan said on Thursday.

Shaikh Khalifa's renewed expression of hope on the Cabinet came after the newly appointed ministers were sworn in before the President and His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Shaikh Khalifa instructed the new ministers to work hard to implement the federal strategy as laid out by Shaikh Mohammad.

"We consider you worthy of trust, and hope you place serving the nation and nationals as your top priorities," he said.

Increasing the number of women ministers reflects the UAE's vision to achieve more active participation from national women and allow them to shoulder greater responsibility towards the nation's progress, Shaikh Khalifa said.

The ministers who took oath of office yesterday were: Shaikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of Foreign Trade; Mohammad Bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister for Cabinet Affairs; Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy; Dr Anwar Mohammad Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; Saqr Gobash Saeed Gobash, Labour Minister; Dr Hadif Jowan Al Daheri, Minister of Justice; Dr Rashid Ahmad Bin Fahd, Minister of Environment and Water; Obaid Humaid Al Tayer, Minister of State for Financial Affairs; and Ministers of State Dr Maitha Salim Al Shamsi, Dr Khalifa Bukhait Al Falasi and Reem Ebrahim Al Hashemi.

Shaikh Khalifa wished the new Cabinet success in discharging its responsibilities under the chairmanship of Shaikh Mohammad.

"We, our nation and our people are expecting more giving and dedication from you to carry on the building and progress march, in which our country made big steps, which enhance its leading position on both regional and international arenas," Shaikh Khalifa said.

He also thanked the former ministers who left the Cabinet for their efforts in serving the nation, and wished them success in their future careers.

Present at the ceremony were General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, several other ministers, top officials and dignitaries.