ABU DHABI // The Speaker of the FNC met with the US Ambassador to the UAE in Abu Dhabi to discuss ways of strengthening ties between the US Congress and members of the FNC.
Dr Amal Al Qubaisi and Barbara Leaf met at the FNC headquarters with the aim of enhancing cooperation of both countries as well as strengthening their parliamentary ties reported state news agency, Wam.
During the meeting Dr Al Qubaisi explained the concept of Shura, or consultation, as one of the pillars of UAE governance.
She presented the principal — present since the country’s inception — as a bond between the UAE’s leadership and its citizens where leaders were eager to listen to the need of the citizens.
Dr Al Qubaisi also spoke of UAE’s leadership and governments goal to promote the happiness of its citizens and ensure the presence of open discussion on key issues such as education, health, social welfare, youth participation, and the future.
The FNC Speaker also spoke of the advancement of the UAE parliament under President Sheikh Khalifa with the introduction of Tamkeen, UAE’s political empowerment programme, in 2005.
Dr Al Qubaisi went on to stress that the goal of the UAE leadership and the government is the happiness of its citizens and to ensure an open discussion on all issues of national importance, particularly education, health, social welfare, youth participation, and the future.
The US ambassador congratulated Dr Al Qubaisi on becoming the first woman to head the UAE parliament and Arab woman to hold such a position in the Middle East.
Ms Leaf also congratulated members of the FNC, as well as leaders, government and people of the UAE, on the occasion of Ramadan.
She also extended an invitation to Dr Al Qubaisi to visit the US Congress next year as a way of continuing and furthering cooperation among the countries’ parliaments.
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