Peace key pillar of UAE policy: Mohammed

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has asserted that peace and humanitarian work are the most important pillars of UAE foreign policy. In this regard, he noted that contributing to the efforts of international development is topping the national agenda, especially as the UAE's diplomatic relations with the world are based on peace, development and openness to the options of friendship with everyone.

His Highness said this while chairing the Cabinet meeting, which was held today at the Presidential Palace in the presence of Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.

Sheikh Mohammed commended the membership of the UAE in the Advisory Commission (AdCom) of United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, UNRWA, as it represents an appreciation of the country and its leadership's role as an international supportive entity to  humanitarian work in general, and the Palestinian cause in particular.

His Highness stressed that the UAE's leadership will spare no effort in supporting the Palestinian cause in various international forums.

"UAE contribution to development and relief efforts across the world is one of the most important features of our longstanding diplomacy which the future generations will inherit with pride and appreciation,'' he added.

During the session, the Cabinet approved the UAE's request for joining the Advisory Commission (AdCom) of United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, UNRWA, in compliance with the State's foreign policy to maintain the UAE's prominent status in the international humanitarian work and its contribution to alleviating suffering of humanitarian challenges facing peoples of the world.

The UAE's membership in UNRWA's AdCom will support the Palestinian just stances at various international forums, particularly in the UN and its specialised agencies. The U.A.E. always emphasises the right of Palestinian people to restore their legitimate rights, establish their independent state with the holy Jerusalem as its capital.

By gaining this membership, the UAE has become the 26th member of the AdCom which meets twice a year to discuss issues of importance to UNRWA, striving to reach consensus and provide advice and assistance to the Commissioner-General of the Agency.

National Antiquities

The Cabinet gave its nod for issuing a federal draft law for protection of national antiquities. The act will regulate issues relating to protection of archaeological sites in the State beginning with establishing a federal and local registry, identifying and classifying antiquities, preserving and safeguarding antiquities, prohibiting their import and export without a license from the competent authority. The law, which also sets penalties on offenders, is in consistence with the UAE Vision 2021 which aims to safeguard national rich treasures and heritage. 

Irena Mission

The Cabinet approved the establishment of a permanent mission for the UAE at the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) in the capital Abu Dhabi within the framework of the headquarters agreement signed between IRENA and the U.A.E. which allows member states to open permanent missions in the host country. The move also underlines the UAE's keenness to strengthen ties with IRENA with which it shares mutual interest. It also reflects the U.A.E.'s desire to leverage joint cooperation with Irena and member states for developing renewable energy resources.

Fiscal Management

The Cabinet also gave its consent for issuing a guide for consolidated financial procedures in the federal government for 2014 which aims at adopting international standards for management of federal government financial resources, promoting transparency, coordinating policies, and improving efficiency of financial practices and legislations in all federal entities.

Closing financial statements of the General Pensions and Social Security Authority (GPSSA) for fiscal year 2012 and closing accounts of the Office for the Coordination of Foreign Aid for fiscal year 2012 were endorsed during the Cabinet session.

On recommendations of the Federal National Council, the Cabinet approved a set of recommendations put forward by the house on the policy of the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme and other recommendations regarding health and  safety of the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (Esma).

UAE Space Agency

The meeting also approved the formation of the UAE Space Agency board under the chairmanship of Dr. Khalifa Mohammed Al Rumaithi and Hamad Obeid Al Mansouri as deputy chairman. Members include Jassim Mohammed Al Zaabi, Tariq Rashid Al Hosani, Mohamed Rashid Al Darmaki, Sultan Muhair Al Kitbi, Yusouf Hamad Al Shaibani, Mohamed Saif Al Maqbali and Reem Ahmed Al Muhairi.

The Cabinet also passed a series of agreements on air transport the U.A.E. has sealed with Serbia, India, Denmark, Norway and Sweden. These agreements aim to boost joint cooperation at international levels for serving the State's interests.

The Cabinet gave its green light for establishing a U.A.E. embassy in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic.

Mohammed bin Rashid meets Tahnoun bin Mohammed 

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum today met with  Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Ruler`s Representative in the Eastern Region at Al-Shuaib in Al Ain.

The two sides exchanged views on a number of national and social topics of top priority by the wise leadership for the renaissance and progress of the nation and the happiness of its people.

Sheikh Tahnoun hosted a lunch banquet in honour of Sheikh Mohammed at his rest house in Al Shuaib in Al Ain.

The meeting and the banquet were attended by Sheikh Hazza bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan and Under- Secretary of the Court of the Ruler's Representative in the Eastern Region, Sheikh Diab bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gargawi, Minister for Cabinet Affairs, Lt. General Misbah bin Rashid AI Fattan, Director of the Office of the Vice-President and Khalifa Saeed Suleiman, Director- General of the Department of Protocol and Hospitality in Dubai and others.