In a speech to the nation marking the UAE's 31st National Day, Sheikh Zayed said that in spite of the formidable achievements that had been made, the country still has a long way to go, which makes it imperative for all to double efforts.
The President pointed out that the determination of Their Highnesses Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates to position the UAE among the comity of civilised nations is in itself sufficient to remove any hurdles that may impede the progress of the nation.
Sheikh Zayed said that UAE nationals have proven as shown by the many achievements that had been made that they are capable of shouldering responsibilities assigned to them.
The President called on ministries, departments and various business sectors to take up their responsibilities in training and developing the UAE youth.
"The building of youth is a mission that should not be left to a certain ministry or authority for it requires efforts of all national institutions."
Sheikh Zayed said that measures taken to redress the imbalance in the demographic structure should be strengthened and tightened. He urged UAE citizens to take their responsibility to counter this problem which destabilises society and the destiny of future generations.
The UAE's GDP increased to Dh260 billion this year from Dh6.5 billion in 1972, due to political and social stability.
"The non-oil sector's contribution to GDP reached Dh188 billion. This has been achieved by relentless efforts which yielded 37,055 farms, parks and forests.
"The UAE has developed the media to keep abreast with technological developments in the field and to serve national issues and principles of peace, cooperation and co-existence.
"The UAE's performance in this field is characterised by transparency, credibility and constructive criticism."
Sheikh Zayed stressed the importance of women in all national work fields. He expressed appreciation for the achievements of the Armed Forces and the police, and their role in protecting the homeland and combating terrorism.
Sheikh Zayed also admired the role played by the Federal National Council in strengthening the federation and democracy.
Sheikh Zayed reiterated the UAE's support to the GCC with a view to achieving integration in all fields.
The President expressed his satisfaction over the improvement in relations between the UAE and Iran. "We all hope that our efforts will be culminated in ending the occupation of the UAE's three islands of Greater and Lesser Tunbs and Abu Moussa through direct negotiations.
"The UAE has always pursued an even-handed policy that calls for the establishment of peace and cooperation between the world countries.
To mark the UAE's 31st National Day, UAE leaders spoke to the Dira'a Al Watan magazine to express their joy and share their ideas on the achievements during 31 years of the country's federation march.
His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said that December 2, 1971, marked the emergence of the Federation under the leadership of Sheikh Zayed.
Sheikh Maktoum described the federation as the most successful model in the Arab and Islamic world. He said the UAE had, and continues to play a significant role at various levels. This had won the UAE's foreign policy great respect in the international community.
His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, praised the distinct position the UAE Armed Forces enjoy in the region and their contribution to the security and stability of the region and to humanitarian military tasks worldwide.
Sheikh Khalifa said that the UAE has pursued an even-handed and judicious approach to regional and international political changes and backed the international alliance against terrorism.
General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and UAE Defence Minister said: "The significant strides the UAE has made over the last three decades under the leadership of Sheikh Zayed have propelled the country to the threshold of a new era."
See also: Editorial comment
