Kosovo's highest order for Mohamed

General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, today was presented with the Order of Independence, Kosovo's highest honour to international figures, by visiting President of the Republic of Kosovo Mrs. Atifete Jahjaga

This took place  when Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met President Jahjaga today at Al Mamoura in Abu Dhabi.

Kosovo's Order of Independence recognises UAE's contribution to peace-keeping in Kosovo, its social and economic aid to the Balkan country as well as its recognition of independent Kosovo, as well as the efforts of  the Crown Prince to  follow up the peace-keeping process in Kosovo.

In her remarks as she presented  Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed with the honour, President Jahjaga said, "In tribute to the friendship between our countries and in gratitude and deep appreciation for the helping hand that you have given to Kosovo, to its renewal, to giving life to the hope of its people to become masters of their own fate and to build their own state. We cherish the commitment of the United Arab Emirates and  the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan to peace and welfare in the Republic of Kosovo.

"We have been moved by your leadership and willingness to help revive Kosovo after the devastating war and by your determination to lay the foundation of a lasting friendship with Kosovo. The people of Kosovo deeply value the contribution of the United Arab Emirates military forces in peacekeeping in Kosovo, which cemented peace and stability in the whole region of southeastern Europe and helped us restore the bridges of cooperation between our people. Your men in uniform left a legacy to be proud of," the visiting president said.

 "The recognition of Kosovo's independence by the United Arab Emirates is a continuation of the strengthening of our ties and of the consolidation of our state internationally. This act of recognition was the clearest sign that, regardless of the geographic distance between us, we are united by values and ideals that drive our vision for prosperous countries for the well-being of our citizens.

"In accordance to the Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo, the President of Kosovo Madame Atifete Jahjaga has taken the decision to award you the Order of Independence, Kosovo's highest award given to international dignitaries, to esteemed friends of Kosovo as a sign of gratitude and respect. In honoring you, we honour ourselves," added President of the Republic of Kosovo Mrs. Atifete Jahjaga.

On his part,  the Crown Prince expressed his delight at the generous gesture by the President of Kosovo and said, "Our delight is even greater as peace has been achieved in Kosovo."

"U.A.E. takes pride in the vital and effective role it plays alongside the international peace-keepers in establishing stability in Kosovo."

"The late founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was an originator of initiatives aimed at helping the people of Kosovo. U.A.E.'s assistance was not limited to the participation of its armed forces in the peace-keeping and stabilisation operations as he was keenly interested in launching vital developments and service projects in order to enable the people of Kosovo to tap their capabilities and launch the process of progress and development. Today, this approach continues under directives of the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan for establishing  the best friendship and cooperation relations with the Republic of Kosovo."

"U.A.E.'s message to the world has always been that based on its effective contribution, within the international community, to all that leads to the achievement of peace, stability and development, and promote the values of peace, co-existence and justice across the world," added Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral relations between U.A.E. and Kosovo, and ways of bolstering and promoting them in the service of the interests of both countries and their peoples.

In his remarks at the meeting, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed affirmed U.A.E.'s interest in cementing and promoting relations with the Republic of Kosovo in all spheres.

On her part, the Kosovan president Mrs. Atifete Jahjaga emphasised that her country is likewise interested in cooperation, and wider bilateral relations with U.A.E. in economic, trade and investment spheres, as well as in tapping U.A.E.'s excellence and advancements in overall development.

Present at the meeting were Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Affairs Authority (EAA), Nasser Ahmed Al Suweidi, Chairman of Energy Authority, Mohammed Mubarak Al Mazrouie, Undersecretary of the Court of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and members of the delegation accompanying the Kosovan president.

Mohamed bin Zayed receives Jiu Jitsu Champions

General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces has received gold medal winners at the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship which was held recently at the FGB Arena. The gold medalists were accompanied by Abdulmunem Al Hashemi, Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation and President of the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Union.

Sheikh Mohamed praised the performance of the UAE team which led them to collect 19 gold medals in the seniors and masters categories. He congratulated them on the achievement and urged them to strive for continuous improvement and to focus on the same time on their education.

Sheikh Mohamed also commended the efforts mad by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation to promote the game within the country and the excellent organisation of the championship. He also thanked the championship's sponsoring organisations.

The meeting with Sheikh Mohamed was a special reward for the champions who expressed pleasure and pledged to develop their skills and to work hard to win more medals for the UAE in international competitions.

Present were Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Sport Council, Humaid bin Mohammed Obaid Al Qattami, Minister of Education, members of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation and representatives of sponsoring organisations.

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