Mohammed bin Zayed: UAE wins world trust thanks to open foreign policy

‘Ambassadors and all the country’s representatives abroad are an important part of the UAE’s successful story’

Sheikh Mohammed welcomed the envoys and wished them good luck and success, saying he looks forward to continuing their efforts to reflect the bright image of the UAE and its international stature. Ryan Carter for the Crown Prince CourtShow less

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, has greeted UAE ambassadors, heads of diplomatic missions and representatives of international organisations abroad at Al Bahr Palace.

They had gathered for the 12th forum organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Iinternational Co-operation.

Sheikh Mohammed welcomed the envoys and wished them good luck and success, saying he looked forward to continuing their efforts to reflect the bright image of the UAE and its international stature.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Dr Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, also attended the meeting.

Sheikh Mohammed praised “our ambassadors and all the country’s representatives abroad” as being “an important part of the UAE’s successful story".

"They represent a liaison point between the UAE and countries of the world. With their capabilities and enlightened thinking, we will be able to achieve the desired effect to build strong bonds between our people and the world,” he said.

“I appreciate the tiredness, hard work and the pain of being away from the home country, but you are rewarded for representing your country and highlighting its role and position as well as reflecting the good image of your people and your country. Your country has become a role model in the region, thanks to the stability, advanced infrastructure and robust economy granted by Allah the Almighty. This brings happiness to us and adds huge and double responsibility towards our country to enhance its development and progress.”

In a tweet he celebrated “receiving the country’s ambassadors abroad and emphasised their active role in strengthening ties with allies and friends”.

According to Sheikh Mohammed, “the achievements accomplished by the country is the fruit of 50 years of relentless efforts exerted by your fathers and grandfathers, and we have to put on more joint efforts to double the accomplishments in the coming 30 years”.

“The percentage of our political concentration in our relations with other countries is small, while the largest proportion is in consolidating bridges of co-operation [across many fields], bringing together viewpoints as well as spreading Emirati peace values. Therefore, the ceiling of our expectations for your efforts in the diplomatic field is high during the coming period as you represent the elite of diplomatic work,” he said.

“The UAE has won trust of the world and gained an international reputation thanks to its balanced, open foreign policy and following in the step of Zayed’s policy for building close, strong relations. You are today representing the UAE and you are the best to do that and your efforts are commendable and appreciated,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

“However, we are seeking through you more diplomatic dynamism and work in order to strengthen our ties with other countries not only politically, but also in other spheres so as to entrench the UAE’s standing and its leadership as well as its aspirations to join the club of advanced nations.”

He also emphasised the importance of investing time in building constructive, close international partnerships. "Countries that maintain strong political, developmental and economic relations, and humanitarian relations … are those which win respect and appreciation of the world.'' he said.

The ambassadors' forum, Sheikh Mohammed said, seeks to crystallise future objectives, assess mechanisms of work and propose constructive, innovative ideas to develop the ministry's work.

Sheikh Mohammed also spoke about the UAE's role in countering terrorism and extremism since the September terrorist attacks and his pre-emptive vision to confront these terrorist groups as well as their sources of funding and platforms supporting them, and noted with pride the sacrifices made.

‘‘You are also soldiers and you have responsibilities, duties and a message to carry in the service of your homeland abroad,’’ he said.

For their part, the ambassadors expressed their delight at meeting his highness and paid tribute for the close follow-up and care shown by the country’s leadership in providing UAE diplomats with all factors of success so as to deliver their message and perform their national duty in serving the state’s interests and bolster its ties of friendship and co-operation with other countries and peoples.