His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, met last night at Al Badee Al Amir Palace with chief editors and representatives of the U.A.E.-based local and foreign newspapers and radio and television channels.
At the beginning of the meeting, organised by the Sharjah media centre, Sheikh Sultan welcomed the guests and spoke about the establishment of the U.A.E., thanks to the founding fathers' dedication and resolve.
"We were young at that time and we were inspired by the founding fathers, including the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum and their brothers the rulers, who did not go to universities, but realised very well that none can serve a nation but its own people," he recalled.
Sheikh Sultan also talked about the day when the late Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed Al Qasimi asked him to become a minister in the new government shortly after his return from Egypt.
"When we started to serve in the government, everything was literally lacking, but thanks to the determination of our leaders, the U.A.E. has become what it is today. The most contributing factor was that there no barriers between the rulers and the people." Sheikh Sultan gave an insight into the journalistic code of ethics in the U.A.E. and emphasised the need for journalists to adhere to objectivity and stay away from controversial reporting.
Answering a question on protecting education from destructive thoughts, Sheikh Sultan said the U.A.E. was quick to realise the need for raising the young generations on the basis of tolerant teachings of Islam to guarantee efficient educational outputs.
"When your home catches fire, the first thing you think about is to put the fire out. This is exactly what the enemies want us to do. In other words, they have this sinister plan of keeping us busy with our own infightings," he said.
He referred to the strong stand taken by the U.A.E. and other GCC countries for Egypt to assume its leading role in the Arab world and stressed that the security of Egypt is integral to the GCC's security.
He also highlighted the pioneering political participation process in the U.A.E. which is evident in the election of Federal National Council members.
Source: WAM