Pandemic has changed everything, says Khalifa
Addressing members of the Federal National Council (FNC), as he opened the second ordinary session of the 17th Legislative Chapter of the FNC on Thursday, President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan acknowledged this year’s unique circumstances in light of the coronavirus pandemic saying, “You resume your work today in a time full of challenges and regional and international changes.”
Sheikh Khalifa also praised the UAE’S “exemplary” performance in facing the pandemic and its progressive handling of the plight.
Sheikh Khalifa said that the pandemic has changed “everything” in the daily routine of people and nations, as well as the priorities of governments all around the world.
On behalf of Sheikh Khalifa, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, on Thursday remotely opened the second ordinary session of the 17th Legislative Chapter of the FNC.
Sheikh Mohammad officially launched the session, saying, “My brothers, members of the Federal National Council, I am confident that you will positively engage in the country’s march of development and fulfil the aspirations of our people.
“I invite you to give consideration to the ideas of the sons and daughters of our country, paying close atention to their suggestions and demands.”
Sheikh Khalifa in his speech said that since last February, we, along with the rest of the world, have been dealing with the challenges and implications posed by the coronavirus pandemic. The pandemic has changed everything in the daily routine of people and nations, as well as the priorities of governments worldwide, bringing the world’s economy to a near standstill.
“In this regard, the UAE’S performance in the face of this plight has been exemplary in terms of its level of progress and magnitude. This performance was enhanced and boosted by our will to continue to give,” he said.
“The country has provided medical and relief aid to more than 100 countries worldwide. It was also strengthened when the country moved forward with its peaceful nuclear programme by operating the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, and also with the it’s space programme with the launch of ‘Hope Probe’ to Mars.”
“You know that the strategic importance of our region has made its security and stability synonymous with the rest of the world. We have to always adapt our policy to support the foundations of security and stability of our country and region, based on the adherence to the principles of international law, peaceful coexistence and resolving differences through dialogue. In this context, the Abrahamic Peace Accord came as a tributary of peace that supports the aspirations of the peoples of the region to achieve prosperity and progress,” Sheikh Khalifa said further.
“Yes, our performance in facing the pandemic was exemplary and praised by the World Health Organisation, and gained the respect for the countries of the world. However, we must understand that the pandemic has not ended yet and we must continue our work to combat it. I urge all citizens and residents to renew their commitment to preventive measures, and to follow the recommendations of the relevant authorities.”
“The pandemic has opened up the potential for new developments and opportunities, and we have, accordingly, restructured the government to further enable it to keep pace with the changes, to hasten its decision-making, and to seize more opportunities,” concluded Sheikh Khalifa.
Meanwhile, the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), announced on Thursday that it conducted 136,352 additional COVID-19 tests over the past 24 hours, which revealed 1,305 new coronavirus cases.
MOHAP also announced 1 death due to COVID-19 complications.
The ministry also noted an additional 826 individuals had fully recovered from COVID-19, bringing the total number of recoveries to 151,870.
Thousands of volunteers are flocking to research hospitals across Pakistan to join final-stage clinical trials of a Chinese-made vaccine for the coronavirus. “I have volunteered myself for a noble cause that will help humanity,” said a volunteer at Islamabad’s Shifa hospital, where hundreds of participants are being paid about $50 for their trouble.
President praises UAE’S ‘exemplary’ performance in facing the pandemic and its progressive handling of the plight; Mohammed opens FNC session remotely, saying ‘I am confident that you will positively engage in the country’s march of development.’