H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister, on Tuesday attended a ceremony to raise the UAE national flag on at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to mark the UAE Flag Day.

The UAE Flag Day coincides with the 11th anniversary of Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan's accession to the presidency of the UAE.

The ceremony was attended by Dr. Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mohammed Mer Al Raisi, Undersecretary at the ministry, Ahmed Abdul Rehman Al Jarman, Assistant Foreign Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Tareq Ahmed Al Haidan, Assistant Foreign Minister for International Organisations Affairs, Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Director of the Department East Asian and Pacific Affairs, heads of departments and employees.

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed described the UAE Flag Day as an occasion that is dear to the hearts of all Emiratis, reflects national values and promotes the wise vision of the country's leaders.

"Despite all challenges that we are facing, we see how mature the UAE has become and the noble initiative of nationals and expatriates to raise the UAE flag to recall the efforts made by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the other founding fathers. President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates are walking in the footsteps of the founding fathers," the UAE foreign minister added.

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah said that the UAE Flag Day, an initiative aimed at promoting the national identity of the country, symbolises national pride, dignity and the principles of unity and belonging.

He added he was proud of Emiratis and expatriates who showed their love and loyalty to the UAE and its leaders as they celebrated the flag as a symbol of glory and unity.

H.H. the foreign minister stressed the importance of promoting religious values and patriotism and contribution to activities that promote national and social cohesion and project the spirit of unity.

He also underlined continued support for progress and development in the UAE for the benefit of "religion, country, Arab Nation and all humanity."

Source: WAM