MESSAGE FROM H.E. ABDULHAMID A K AL MULLA – UAE AMBASSADOR
On December 2, 2017, the UAE celebrates its 46th National Day. This same day in 1971 marked the establishment of the Emirates, a union that has come to be a leading model of sustainable development, progress and growth in the region and beyond.
On this happy occasion, I am extremely pleased to extend heartiest greetings, on behalf of the Government of the United Arab Emirates, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan – President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum – Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and the Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan – Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces in the United Arab Emirates, to the friendly people of Sri Lanka, led by His Excellency Mr. Maithripala Sirisena – President and Hon. Ranil Wickremasinghe – Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
Since the form of its Union, the United Arab Emirates has taken its place as a prosperous and stable nation with a thriving economy and a worldwide reputation for hospitality.
Over four decades ago, the people of the United Arab Emirates, led by late Sheikkh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, UAE’s founder and former President, came together, committed to a vision – to devote the nation’s resources to modern development. Today, the wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed follows in these footsteps by emphasizing this element and deepening and developing it through the contributions made by the UAE on humanitarian, political and economic levels. The residents of UAE, citizens and expatriates, of the seven emirates of the federation are now enjoying the modern housing, advanced health- care and education, as well as facilities for the renewable energy with technologies to sustain it. Also noteworthy developments to date are the stregthened role of women, other modernized services, and the importane given to the needs and protection of overseas workers. Looking at one direction, the United Arab Emirates has constantly emerged as one of the stable countries. The economic recovery witnessed over the last few years has continued its momentum, hav- ing a notable positive impact on business confidence.
The UAE Governmnet’s commitment to upholding all rights and freedoms for its citizens and other residents has led to the state becoming “a Paradise for citizens and expatriates” and peace in a tolerant community that is free from segregation and injustice. The economic and social progress achieved by the United Arab Emirates since it was established, coupled with the tolerance that characterizes its way of life, has meant that Government has traditionally enjoyed overwhelming support from all of the country’s res- idents, citizens and expatriates alike.
On this auspicious and historic occasion, I would like to hail the bilateral relations between our two friendly countries. These relations found their roots in the principles of cooperation and mutual respect, and evolved into a strategic partnership between the two countries and the people over the years. The ever-growing volume of commercial, economic and cultural exchanges bear witness to the strong bilateral ties our countries share in various fields.
The past few years have witnessed a significant enhancement in the bilateral relationship between UAE and Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankans visiting UAE on business and tourism is increasing day by day. There is also a progressive increase in the arrival of UAE nationals to Sri Lanka. Last year a total number of 8,475 UAE nationals visited Sri Lanka. This year from January to October, the number has exceeded 6,000 tourists.
The exchange of Ministerial visits between the two countries has continued to consolidate the already strong economic ties. In January 2017 Hon. Saqr Ghobash, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, headed the UAE delegation to Sri Lanka, to participate in the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of Abu Dhabi Dialogue in Colombo.
In September 2017, Hon. Thalatha Athukorala, the Sri Lankan Minister of Foreign Employment attended the meeting of the Ambassadors of the Abu Dhabi Dialogue member states in Abu Dhabi. Hon. Rajitha Senaratne, Minister of Health visited UAE to attend an international health forum on eliminating infectious diseases, held in Abu Dhabi on 15th November. Also in mid-November, Hon. Malik Samarawickrama, Minister of Development Strategies and International Trade visited the UAE to address a platform of global investors at the Global Investment Forum of the Investment Cooperation of Dubai.
To top them all came the official visit of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan - Minister of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation in UAE, to Sri Lanka on 18th November 2017. During the visit, he met with H.E. the President, the Hon. Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Sri Lanka. A wide range of issues was discussed at these meetings, including the boosting of bilateral relations and identifying means of cooperation in areas of common interest. The two countries signed an agreement to accelerate Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters, in addition to an MoU to Establish a Joint Committee for Consular Affairs. MoUs have also been finalized for cooperation in the fields of foreign employment and higher education, and are due to be signed shortly.
A number of joint venture trade projects are being implemented in both countries, helping to link the two countries together even more closely. Trade between the two countries are strengthening continuously, with the total trade reaching 1.3 billion US dollars in 2016. During the period of January – September 2017, total Exports to UAE amounted to 207.71 million dollars, while total Imports exceeded one billion dollars. The volume of UAE investments is in Sri Lanka is increasing annually, with total investments during the year 2016 reaching 13 million dollars. Total UAE investments to date, exceeds 1.6 billion dollars. The number of flights between the two countries has reached 110 flights a week.
Charitable and humanitarian institutions in the UAE continue to provide a lot of aid to Sri Lanka. During this year, several new projects were funded for the building of housing schemes, schools and health centers, providing water and sanitation facilities, distribution of school bags, stationary, clothing and dry rations to the underprivileged and families effected by floods and other natural disasters. The UAE Red Crescent, Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan Charitable Foundation, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, The Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, Dubai Charity Association and Sharjah Charity House are among the prominent organizations that continue to benefit Sri Lanka.
Finally may I take this opportunity, on this happy occasion, to wish H.E. Maithripala Sirisena – President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and to the people of Sri Lanka, progress and prosperity. ABDULHAMID AK AL MULLA
AMBASSADOR.