His Excellency Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs, asserted that the Federal National Council (FNC) is one of the UAE’s strategic pillars and a model for effective parliamentary work in the nation’s journey towards development and prosperity. The Council is key for achieving the wise leadership’s forward-thinking vision for the next 50 years, leading up to the UAE’s Centennial Plan to take the top spots on an international level across all vital sectors and areas related to enhancing quality of life for the community.

In a statement issued to mark the 52^nd anniversary of the FNC’s establishment, H.E. Al Owais said: “Since its inception at the establishment of our Union by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and our Founding Fathers, the Federal National Council has consolidated its role as a fundamental pillar of the UAE’s comprehensive development process, a key player in preserving national achievements, and an ideal embodiment of the ‘Shura’ concept the UAE embraces to promote genuine participation in the country.”

“The Federal National Council has played an active role in addressing key issues concerning citizens, striving to meet their aspirations and ambitions, and serving the nation’s interests,” H.E. Al Owais added. “The Council has also contributed to consolidating and strengthening the parliamentary process in the UAE by collaborating and playing a complementary role with the Federal Government, which supports the country’s comprehensive development process and protects the national achievements made over the past 50 years. The Council is guided by the forward-looking vision of the UAE’s wise leadership, who believes in the continuous development of parliamentary life in the country, calling for activating the FNC’s role and enabling it to be a supporting and guiding authority for the government.”

His Excellency noted the Federal National Council success in parliamentary diplomacy through its membership in regional and international parliamentary institutions, and its active participation in parliamentary forums across the region and the world. These efforts help reinforce and consolidate the UAE’s foreign policy principles, strengthening ties of friendship and constructive cooperation with all countries to achieve common interests and exchange benefits in all fields.

H.E. Al Owais extended his sincere congratulations to H.E. Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council, wishing him and all FNC members success in “serving our prosperous nation and achieving the interests of our people”.