Rally around 10-point economic, educational, social plan: Khalifa

The President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has called on the government and people to rally around a ten-point national economic, educational and social programme, in tribute to the fallen heroes. ''Our Armed Forces servicemen have set wonderful examples of the ultimate heroism and sacrifice. We have lost martyrs, who offered their lives in defence of their nation and its values. All of us have a duty, which is to remain loyal to the values for which they offered their lives, to complete what they have begun, to instill in the hearts and minds of our children the values of sacrifice and loyalty and to work together to keep our nation, for which those martyrs offered their lives, ever stronger and respectable,'' Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed said in a statement to Dira'a Al Watan (The Nation Shield), magazine, on occasion of the 44th National Day of the UAE. Below is the statement in full: "Dear, honourable people of the UAE, Salam Alaikum Warahmatuall Wabarakat “On the 44th anniversary of the National Day of the UAE, we extend our warm congratulations and gratitude to you for the contributions you have made in the process of building and developing the nation, and for your considerable and sincere participation in the defence of the nation, its gains and achievements. And on your behalf , we send our heartfelt congratulations to my brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and his brothers Their Highnesses Members of the Supreme Council of the Union and Rulers of the Emirates, who are leading the development process of our nation with prudence and wisdom. Our congratulations also go to commanders, officers, personnel and recruits of the gallant UAE Armed Forces, and to our security agencies, which are always vigilant to protect the nation and its people. We also pay gratitude to the expatriate residents from sisterly and friendly countries. “December 2 is a day on which we remember with full pride and reverence the insightful life of the founding father of the Union, the late Sheikh Zayed, and his brothers the late founding fathers, who, in their lifetimes became role models for us all. “We pray to Almighty God to bestow His mercy on their souls and grant good health and wellbeing to those who are still among us. Thanks to their far-sighted vision, our nation has developed a successful development model, presenting to the world a pioneering experiment in justice, rule of law, economic diversification, judicious harnessing of resources and sustainable development. These spectacular achievements have drawn wide commendation from prominent international organisations and institutions, which have placed the UAE among the top and most advanced nations. Furthermore, this proves and confirms the soundness and veracity of our development approach, which set priorities for federal and local governments to bring happiness to Emirati citizens, expatriate residents and visitors alike, with high quality and excellence. “On this glorious National Day, we pay a glowing tribute to our people for the valuable confidence they have placed in our march, and to our young generations, who rushed enthusiastically to join national military service. It is this confidence and enthusiasm that makes us feel more proud of our citizens’ capabilities, more optimistic and reassured about the future of the UAE and more resolved to carry out our national responsibility. “Building our security capabilities, sustaining social peace, advancing initiatives for GCC joint security and integration, contributing effectively to safeguarding Arab unity and preserving regional security, are not only well-established priorities in our national policy, but also form the essence of the trust and responsibility our fathers passed on to us. To that end, we will forge ahead in full partnership with fellow leaders to confront any threats to the security, peace and stability of the GCC and Arab countries. “To advance this declared policy, we have been among the founders of the Saudi-led Arab Coalition to restore right and legitimacy in Yemen. We actively participated in Operation Decisive Storm, and today we are participating in Operation Restoring Hope, which aims to preserve the independence, security, sovereignty and unity of sisterly Yemen and help its people launch a process for building, development and progress of their country. “Based on the same values and principles, our country is actively participating in the international counter-terrorism coalition as part of our efforts to deter extremism and violence. We mobilise all our capabilities and resources to stand with our brothers and friends and support their efforts to combat extremism and its cells and work, at the same time, to promote and spread the culture of moderation and tolerance, to abhor violence. “Terrorism is a menace that poses an existential threat to our states and their social fabric,