Embassy of UAE in Canberra celebrates the 45th anniversary of the founding of the United Arab Emirates

Ambassador Obaid Al Heri Al Ketbi: "Sports diplomacy can play an important role in building bridges between the two countries"

2016 - Canberra

(Translation of this article appears in Arabic section)

The UAE Embassy in Australia has celebrates its forty-fifth anniversary of the founding of the United Arab Emirates, at the Australian National Exhibition Centre in Canberra. The ceremony was attended by a number of civilian and military officials and members of the Arab and foreign diplomatic corps.

The UAE Ambassador HE Dr. Obaid Al Hiri Salim Al Ketbi delivers a speech on this glorious occasion, in which he said: "Thank you for joining us, as together we celebrate, and contemplate, the National Day of the United Arab Emirates.

The UAE celebrates on December 2, the 45th National Day anniversary. On this day in 1971, we witnessed the unification of the Emirates that brought with it prosperity, stability, and security to the Emirati people.

UAE National Day is a day of great pride. National Day marks not only an occasion where the successes achieved over the last 45 years by our nation are celebrated, but also provides a time to reflect upon the legacy left by the founding father of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The incredible achievements of the UAE, borne out of the foresight and vision of His Highness Sheikh Zayed, and his fellow leaders of the UAE’s constituent Emirates, are a testament to what can be achieved through dedication, toil, unity and commitment.

This vision of the UAE’s fore-fathers is something that is respected and strongly adhered to by the UAE’s current leadership.

Under President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and his brothers, their Highnesses members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates the UAE Government has remained dedicated to ensuring the ongoing advancement, prosperity, and happiness of the Emirati people.

The political, economic, and social development of the UAE is an achievement that has been made possible due to a gradual and balanced approach, whereby UAE decision makers have consistently taken into consideration the international and regional environment and the unique nature of the country, and it's historical, cultural, and religious conditions when embarking upon political change.

Geo-graphically, there is a vast distance between this country and the Emirates. Yet, in character, we share some striking similarities.

We are both middle powers. We are both multi-cultural societies. And each play a vital and singular role in complex regions of the world.

Today, I would not have captured our vibrant bilateral relationship fully without mentioning our trading partnership between Australia and the Emirates, as its deep and diverse, and we value our role as Australia's largest trading partner in the Middle East and 15th largest internationally.

Also, I would like to express my appreciation for the strong bilateral ties that bring together our two countries, the ties that are based on the principles of cooperation and mutual respect, and developed in recent years to the level of strategic partnership between the two friendly countries.

The mutual visits of the leaders of our two countries, the growing levels of trade and economic and cultural exchanges, are standing witnesses on the strength of the relationships that bind our countries in all fields.

Each week, about 144 flights travel directly between the Emirates and Australia, carrying thousands of people, deepening our links in tourism and business.

Already more than 360 Australian companies are based in the UAE and more than 23, 000 Australians live and work there.

In spite of all the dramatic changes that have engulfed the Middle East and the world over recent years, the country's foreign policy has remained faithful to the principles laid down by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

These principles are based upon the country’s commitment to the rules, charters, and laws of international human rights, as well as moderation, and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.

Together with our partners, we vow to con-front extremism and terrorism, and address the root causes of radical ideologies.

The UAE values our strong defence relationship with Australia, and as your Government said in the 2016 Defence White Paper, this will continue to grow.

Critical to the UAE’s international approach has been a focus upon

Human-itaria-nism and assistance to those in need.

The development, humanitarian, and charitable assistance provided by the United Arab Emirates over the last 45 years has covered more than 21 sectors, spanning 178 countries.

This aid has been extended with the explicit aim of improving the lives of human beings, no matter of their location, race, or creed, and is a policy that made the UAE one of the world’s most generous aid donors.

Buttressing the UAE’s regional and international role has been our country’s  continued economic growth. The UAE was able to absorb and overcome the negative effects of the global financial crisis, which continues to plague many of the world's economies.

The UAE economy continues its march towards growth and comprehensive development, with a considerable focus on the industrial and manufacturing sectors.

Most importantly, the UAE economy has become increasingly more diversified and sustainable. Gross domestic product (GDP) has reached around 430.517 billion USD in 2015, compared with around 404 billion USD  in 2014, and the contribution of non-oil sectors to the UAE’s GDP has risen significantly, accounting for more than 76% in 2015.

Before conclusion, I would to reflect on another aspect of our bilateral relationship.  It is evident that sport diplomacy is playing an important role in building linking bridges between our nations.

As some of you might know, the embassy staff in Canberra, active and impassioned participants in a range of sporting and cultural events here in Australia, especially charity marathons such as

Run for your Lifeline, City-to-Serve, Walk-of-Nations organised by the Heart Foundation here in Canberra, and of course our own sporting events with our Australian Partners.

The capacity for these events to create links between people, and bring us together, is something that remains close to my heart.

Ladies and gentlemen, it is clear that our reper-toire is vast and our relationship is strong and deep. May the United Arab Emirates continue to look toward the coming years, full of hope, and open mindedness as our fore-fathers once did. And may we continue to share this bright future with our friends, like Australia.

I extend my deep thanks to our sponsors: (Shadwell - Emirates Airlines – Eithad Airways - Dubai Tourism - UAE Exchange - Abu Dhabi Tourism and Albadeya Eyes Tourism) and my embassy staff who made this wonderful occasion possible.