Former FNC speakers, members honoured

The ceremony, in which 102 former FNC members and speakers were honoured, was held to mark the council’s 40^th anniversary and was attended by members of the Federal Cabinet, former and current council members, Shaikhs and other VIPs.

The ceremony began with the National Anthem, followed by recitation from the Holy Quran, a welcome speech by Speaker Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr and finally Shaikh Mohammed honouring the former members. Shaikh Mohammed also hosted a lunch for the former and current FNC members and other guests.

In his welcome speech, Al Murr said: “This ceremony coincides with the 40^th anniversary of the Federal National Council whose members for the last four decades with their honest dedication have served the nation through their role in policy-making. It is a great honour for all of us for the services of former members of the FNC being appreciated by the leadership of the country.”

He further thanked the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Vice-President, Their Highnesses the Rulers of the Emirates and the government for their continued support to the council to help it fulfil its duties.

“With this support, the FNC members were able to better serve the people and the country. With the efforts of the members and their legislative role in policy-making, many developments have been achieved over the years. The members were always honest in their struggle for the betterment of the citizens,” the speaker added.

Al Murr further said the FNC would continue its efforts with the support of the government, Rulers and other establishments to render public services. “The debates in the House on government policies have left profound impacts on the services to the people and the country, and have enriched the parliamentary process of the country,” he said.

Present were Shaikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Finance Minister; Lt-General Shaikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior; Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Presidential Affairs; Shaikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister; and members of the UAE Cabinet.

nissar@khaleejtimes.com