Aspirations have no limits; ambitions are boundless

abu dhabi — His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, said the second of December is a day that witnessed the establishment of a country that would become, within just a few decades, a model of successful state-building and a fine example of a united and cohesive nation.

“The second of December visits us every year to remind us of our national values — sacrifice for our country and work for its progress. This day should fuel all of us with an inexhaustible energy to work harder to preserve our national heritage.

Sheikh Mohamed renewed the pledge to stay on the path that was first trodden by Sheikh Zayed and other founding fathers. “Our unity is the source of our strength in the face of adversities. Our unity is the most important guarantee that we have to maintain the state of security and stability that our country has enjoyed for decades.”

He said the aspirations of the UAE has no limits and ambitions are boundless. “Once a nation arms itself with knowledge and science, believes in the capabilities and talents of its people, the state will become a developed one in every sense of the word. We are already moving in that direction.”

He said that the youth are the pillars of the nation who will drive the future of the country. “We will continue providing them education that will help them develop their talents and utilise their positive energies; and qualify them to deal with the UAE’s post-oil economy.”

The “UAE Centennial 2071” reflects the ambition of the UAE to be a global pioneer, said Sheikh Mohamed. He stressed that high moral values help maintain the stability and balance of societies, because, “no matter how developed nations become, their development and success will always be fragile if it is not based on a solid moral grounding”.

Sheikh Mohamed said the UAE is working on diversifying its foreign policy by making it open to all of the world’s countries. “Our foreign policy is based on building effective relationships with the major powers in a way that promotes our country’s position on the map of the world’s advanced economies and boosts its active participation in both regional and global arenas.”

Sheikh Mohamed also cited the threats and challenges faced by the Arab world. “It is imperative that we bring the Arab peoples hope and to boost their morale, it is important that we do not leave them a vulnerable prey to extremist groups and terrorist organisations, which seek to brainwash the young and bring them up under the dark shadow of their nihilist ideologies.” — Wam