President emphasises unity, dialogue

President His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan yesterday received here President Abdurrahman Wahid of Indonesia, in the attendance of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. During the meeting, Wahid congratulated Sheikh Zayed on his safe return to the country following recovery from surgery.

The meeting covered the current Arab and Islamic developments, the situation in the Gulf and the Middle East peace process, as well as ways of consolidating bilateral cooperation. Sheikh Zayed said that the world's respect for Arabs and Muslims depends on the level of solidarity and cooperation among Arabs and Muslims. "Had we been united Israel would never had shown disrespect for us nor would they have continued to trample on our rights and desecrated our holy places," he said, adding that Arab and Islamic nations strengthen each other through the Islamic faith and one destiny.

Sheikh Zayed centred his speech on the importance of Arab and Islamic unity. "Should Arabs unite the Islamic nation would surely stand by them, which would lead to a big triumph for both the Arabs and the Islamic nations," he said. The President reiterated the need for dialogue and friendship between Arab and Muslim leaders. "Dialogue brings us closer to each other," he said. "We thank Allah and praise him because there are good indications that Arab leaders are beginning to get closer to each other. They are now in a better position than before. Arab leaders are not weak.

"They just neglected themselves and did not shoulder their responsibilities towards their peoples the way they should for a long time now. But now they've understood the importance of getting closer to each other and the dangers of disunity. They are now committed to a unified stand so as to be able to regain Arab glory,'' he added. He pointed out that the UAE was doing everything possible to unite Arab front. "By Allah's grace we'll soon be one. We are also committed to fraternal relations with the Islamic world for stronger solidarity and cooperation," he said. On the UAE federation, Sheikh Zayed said that the founding of the United Arab Emirates had achieved for its people progress, comfort and pride. "We are exerting all efforts so as to further please our people. We are also working tirelessly for more progress for our dear country and people," he added.

The Indonesian president praised Sheikh Zayed for his wisdom and progressive policies. He also praised him for his nationalistic stand and for the enviable achievements he continues to lead his country to.

Wahid said that Sheikh Zayed was a model of a good statesman who is full of vision, wisdom and farsightedness, adding that Sheikh Zayed was one of the Muslim leaders who are always working hard in support of Islamic issues. "This, in addition to his wise political approach, including dialogue, understanding and his belief in peaceful resolution of problems between Islamic countries," he said.

Wahid said that Sheikh Zayed had not only tapped his country's wealth for the comfort of his people, but also to help people across the borders of his country. "Sheikh Zayed is a highly respected person who has in his heart noble feelings for all human beings," he said. "So to me he is a model of the type of leaders that I so much respect, love and regard," he added. He also praised the good relations between UAE and his country.

Sheikh Khalifa held a meeting with Wahid. He expressed happiness on the visit and on the growing relations between the two countries. He reiterated Sheikh Zayed's commitment to work to enhance good relations with Indonesia and other Islamic and friendly countries.