Mohamed bin Zayed arrives in Belgrade

General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, last evening arrived in Belgrade in an official visit to the Republic of Serbia.

He was received at the arrival by Serbia’s Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic and a number of Serbian officials. The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi was accorded an official reception at the Palace of Serbia, where the national anthems of the two friendly countries were played. Sheikh Mohamed shook hands with senior Serbian officials, while Vucic greeted the delegation accompanying Sheikh Mohamed.

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi is accompanied by Hussein Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Minister of Education, Khaldoun Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority, Mohammed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Under-Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court, and Juma Rashid Saif Al Dhahiri, UAE Ambassador to Serbia.

Mohamed visits Al Azhar in Cairo

General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has commended the academic, cultural and civilisational role of Al Azhar Al Sharif in the Islamic World over centuries.

Sheikh Mohamed said Al Azhar has been playing a tremendous, commendable role in maintaining the tolerant message of Islam and promoting its fine principles of moderation, tolerance, goodness and peace.

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi made his remarks during a visit to Al Azhar Sheikhdom in Cairo where he was welcomed by the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, Dr. Sheikh Ahmed Al Tayeb and a number of senior scholars.

General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said: ''We are glad to be in one of Islam's forts and a minaret of science and civilisation to express our profound appreciation and respect for the message of this grand institution in promoting the tolerant image and teachings of Islam and its role in preserving Egypt's national fabric as a united and coherent entity as well as its honourable role and stand against deviated ideas, extremists and fanatic trends.''

Sheikh Mohamed stressed the vital role of scholars in speaking out against misconceptions and ideas that distort the truth about religion and in correcting wrong beliefs that contradict the tolerance and spirit of Islam, emphasising that it is a core responsibility and top priority for scholars, especially at a time when solidarity is needed among Arabs and unity among Muslims.

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi also expressed appreciation for other Islamic and academic institutions which stand as a staunch defence line against violence, extremism and terrorism, preaching the true message of Islam for peace, safety and building of man and nations, abhorring destructive ideas and misleading sabotaging slogans which target tolerance of Islam and stability of ''our Arab and Muslim countries.''

He stressed the vital need for supporting Al Azhar in its quest to safeguard true Islamic values and its standing against intimidation, violence and destruction, indicating that the UAE is keen to bolster its cooperation with Al Azhar and continue its support it in all areas that serve Islam and Muslims in scientific, religious, educational and knowledge fields.

The Grand Imam of Al Azhar praised the visit of Sheikh Mohamed, saying, "This visit is an extension of the ties established by the late founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, with Egypt and its people. It follows the sustained historic stances of the UAE which left a good impression in hearts of the Egyptian people as they sourced from a kind heart that loves Egypt and its people.''

He expressed his gratitude to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his support for Egypt at a time when it is in desperate need of support from its brothers, saying that this is what the UAE leadership and people have always proven in reality with Egypt and other countries. 

Sheikh Mohamed and Dr. Al Tayeb exchanged views on a variety of issues that the region is experiencing and stressed the importance of mobilising efforts to confront challenges, sedition, mongers of violence and terrorism. They also affirmed the need for portraying the true, bright image and fine teachings of Islam.

 Dr. Al Tayeb presented a commemorative shield to Sheikh Mohamed in honour of his visit.

Mohamed visits Unknown Soldier Memorial

General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, today visited the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier in Al Naser City as part of his official visit to Egypt.

Upon his arrival at the site of the Memorial, Sheikh Mohamed was received by Egypt's Defence Minister, Lt. Gen. Sidqi Subhi, Ashraf El-Araby, Egypt's Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, and Major-General Tawheed Tawfiq, GOC Central Command, along with a number of senior officials.

An official welcoming ceremony was held for His Highness Sheikh Mohamed, when a military band played the national anthems of both sisterly countries and a guard of honour greeted him. His Highness laid a wreath on the Memorial, which commemorates Egyptian soldiers who gave their lives for their homeland.

During his visit, Sheikh Mohamed was accompanied by a delegation which included Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Minister of Education, Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State, Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority (EAA), Mohammed bin Nakhira Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to the Arab Republic of Egypt, and Mohammed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Under-Secretary of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court.

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