His Excellency Dr. Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs, said the government is keen to respond to recommendations made by the members of the Federal National Council (FNC) in view of the FNCs key role as a legislative authority that contributes to the overall development of the UAE.

Speaking about the 11th session of the Federal National Council, H.E. Dr. Gargash pointed out that the presence of the ministers at the council sessions and their transparent response to the enquiries from the members reflect the fruitful cooperation that exists between the legislative and executive branches of the government. This is a practical application of the directives of the wise leadership of the UAE to provide services that create citizen happiness, H.E. Dr. Gargash said, and praised the constructive comments of the members of the Council that has contributed to the enactment of laws and regulations for effective government performance.

Apart from H.E. Dr. Gargash, the 11th session of the Council was attended by H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, H.E. Obaid Humaid Al Tayer, Minister of State for Financial Affairs and the Vice Chairman of the Board General Authority for Pensions and Social Security.

H.E. Gargash described the interaction of H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan based on a short documentary film presented during the session, which showed field visits of members of the Sports Affairs Committee to gain developmental ideas on sports facilities in the country. Such interaction highlights the extent of governments cooperation in finding appropriate solutions based on proposals submitted by the members, H.E. Gargash said. The minister said the FNC members have been undertaking field visits as part of their efforts to implement the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan to identify the needs and requirements of the citizens and find effective solutions that contribute to their welfare.

H.E. Gargash commended the discussions over amending the provisions of Federal Law No. 7 of 1999 by issuing Pension and Social Security Law, and the recommendations of the Federal National Council on the services provided to retirees and the salaries provided to UAE national employees in the 10th to 14th grades in Federal government. H.E. Gargash pointed out that the relationship between the Council and the government is based on the common good of the UAE, and reflects the highest priority of the wise leadership of the country to give voice to the citizens and respond to their needs.