H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign and International Cooperation Minister, has paid a rich tribute to the UAE founding fathers on the occasion of the 45th National Day anniversary, citing the huge achievements scored by the UAE over the last four decades.

In a statement to Nation's Shield Magazine, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah said the people of the UAE recall the UAE's founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and the late Rulers of the Emirates, who stood by their pledges to build a modern state that has become a role model.

The full text of the statement of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan: "December 2nd is a cherished occasion for the people of the UAE, being a witness to the birth of the unique nation and the happiest people in the world.

This day comes for Emiratis to recall the efforts of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his brothers, the late Rulers of the Emirates, the founders of this beloved homeland, who stood by their pledges to build a modern and prosperous state. They shouldered their responsibilities with dedication and strong determination to achieve the aspirations of their people.

Today, after 45 years, the legacy of the Union is sustained by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. There are qualitative achievements in various fields, and the successes continuous to make the UAE an oasis of security, safety, openness, tolerance and happiness, as there is no discrimination on the basis of religion, race or colour in the UAE.

These achievements represent the most prominent features of the UAE, which enjoys foreign relations characterised by mutual respect within the framework of common interests and non-interference in the affairs of others that have positive impact on the regional and international surroundings. This confirms the political discourse of the UAE regarding its relations, policies and positions based the founding values outlined by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan.

Since the 2nd December 1971, and even today, the UAE remains committed to its Arab and Muslim roots, as it continues intensive efforts to contain tensions, crises and disputes, as well as supporting economic and cultural development and promoting peace, fraternity and prosperity in the region and the world. These positions have been received with great confidence and have reflected positively on many attitudes towards the country.

In this regard, I remember the statement of the UAE President when he said. 'The UAE will continue pursuing flexible independent foreign policy, whose purpose serves the national interests, maintains the state's sovereignty and promotes the GCC system in order to achieve integration and closer cooperation with Arab countries and regional blocs. It also exerts efforts to build a regional and international environment based on peace, stability and mutual trust. And we will continue our committed policy to countering terrorism and fighting against extremism in pursuit of peaceful settlement of conflicts, and to participate in international efforts to protect the environment and contribute to the development of more just and equitable international order'.

Despite serious crises facing the world, the UAE sees windows of opportunity to solve them with good faith and the political will of the international community and all parties to resolve the problems.

What has been achieved in the UAE over 45 years gives us more pride, and puts on our shoulders great responsibilities that require all of us to make further efforts to achieve more successes and progress to elevate the name of the UAE in all international forums.

On this glorious day, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to the Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and the Supreme Council Members, Their Highnesses the Rulers of the Emirates, the people of the UAE, on this great anniversary."