Your Excellency, Sheikh Rahma bin Abdulrahman bin Rahma Al Shamsi, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the Republic of Maldives, His Excellency, Mohamed Aslam, Speaker of the Peoples Majlis, The Diplomatic corps, Members of my Cabinet.
Excellencies,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Assalaam Alaikum and a very good evening to you all.
I am honoured to join you in this evening, to celebrate the Fifty Second Union Day of the United Arab Emirates.
I take this opportunity to convey warm felicitations and sincere well wishes to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan, President of the UAE;
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister, and Minister for Defence of UAE and Ruler of Dubai;
His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court; And ,the Government and all our brothers and sisters in the United Arab Emirates.
Excellencies,
Fifty-two years ago, the emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, and Ajman, and later, Ras Al Khaimah, unified to form the United Arab Emirates. Fifty-two years later, we stand witness to the amazing feats accomplished through unity among people with a shared vision, especially in the face of adversity.
The UAE has gone through a remarkable journey. A tremendous transformation. And this momentous occasion is an opportunity to take a moment, to admire, and to congratulate the UAE for its success.
From celebrities to entrepreneurs, from intellectuals to future leaders, the UAE is one of the world’s most popular destinations, including for many Maldivians.
Many of us visit to enjoy the spectacles that are the Burj Khalifa, Sheikh Zayed Mosque and the Museum of the Future. Others visit to avail themselves of healthcare facilities of the highest calibre. Some Maldivians have now established their home base in UAE, with their children attaining world class education.
As a result, the UAE has become a symbol of what a powerful vision could achieve. A beacon of hope. An example of progress and prosperity, embodying the extraordinary spirits of the Emirati people.
Excellencies,
This year marks the forty-fifth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and the UAE. Over the years, our two countries have enjoyed an excellent relationship. A close bond that has stood the test of time. Our ties are characterised by mutual respect and support, Islamic solidarity and shared values.
This relationship has been very beneficial to the Maldivian people. And it is one that is cherished and valued. The UAE’s commitment of providing additional funding earlier this month to complete the Velana International Airport’s expansion project is just one such example of how the UAE has always been a reliable development partner and stood with the Maldivian people.
On behalf of the Maldivian people, I thank President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan, Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Vice President Sheikh Mansoor, and the people of UAE. We deeply value this generosity and I assure you that we will always stand by you and the people of UAE.
Excellencies,
Our cooperation always extends to the multilateral arena – where we support each other in a number of fields.
Later this month, I will be travelling to Dubai to attend the COP28. This is a critical COP, especially for Small Island Developing States like the Maldives. We must operationalise the Loss and Damage Fund, ensure that we achieve ambitious outcomes at the first ever Global Stocktake, and bring the world together to save our planet.
Under the UAE’s dynamic leadership, I have no doubt that we will succeed. Rest assured, you can count on Maldives’ support to ensure COP28 is not only a success, but in ensuring that the COP28 and the UAE Presidency delivers concrete outcomes.
Distinguished Guests, Excellencies,
Let me take this opportunity to thank Ambassador Sheikh Rahma Al Shamsi and his able team at the Embassy for their efforts in advancing our relationship.
My Government will work with the UAE to usher in a new dawn in our relationship. We will chart a path of prosperity for our peoples. We will continue to be a reliable partner and will elevate our relationship to new heights. This is my personal commitment to you.
Once again, I convey best wishes from the Maldives to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan, President of UAE, and the Government and the people of the UAE on this auspicious occasion.
May Allah always bless the UAE with peace and harmony.
Thank you, Shukran Jazeelan شكراً جزيلاً