ID :
366402
Thu, 05/07/2015 - 09:46
Auther :

Abdullah bin Zayed: Exemption of UAE citizens from Schengen visa is evidence of EU’s confidence in UAE and its citizens

ABU DHABI, 7th May, 2015 (WAM)--H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister, yesterday offered his congratulations to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Their Highnesses, the Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers and to the UAE people on the decision taken yesterday by the European Parliament to exempt UAE citizens from the need to apply for entry visas to the Schengen group of countries. This achievement, Sheikh Abdullah said, is the latest in a series of continuous successes that have been recorded by the country in various areas since it was established by the Father of the Nation in 1971. It also represents a recognition by the EU Parliament of the status achieved by the UAE and of the successes in past years that have served as a source of inspiration for many other countries in the region. He added that the passing of the resolution by the EU Parliament represented a major achievement for UAE diplomacy, which has proven itself to be an example of distinguished performance, thanks to its basic characteristics, which include mobility and flexibility, the exertion of influence, making use of planning and a comprehensive approach to work and the ability to achieve the supreme national interests, both internally and externally. Sheikh Abdullah said that this is not the first time that UAE diplomacy has recorded significant achievements, as shown by the important and effective role that it had played in the successful bid by the UAE to host the forthcoming International Energy Conference in 2019, the bid by Dubai to host the 2020 World EXPO and the bid for Abu Dhabi in 2009 to host the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency, IRENA. He said the decision of the European Parliament did not emerge in a vacuum and had not been easily achieved, noting that it had been supported by a wise policy and a proven leadership that had promoted itself through its vivid and positive image abroad. This, he said, had made the UAE a symbol of wisdom, moderation, co-existence, peace and openness, while, at the same time, it was an example of the efforts being exerted to serve the UAE's citizens, a pioneering example of development which others try to follow. Sheikh Abdullah said that the UAE is proving, day by day, that it is really a homeland of prosperity and happiness. "Our UAE citizens", he said, "have the full right to feel proud of their leadership, which exerts every possible effort to take care of their welfare internally as well as anywhere else in the world, and to be genuinely loyal to our dear country, which provides its citizens with a decent life that conforms to high international standards. The leadership puts the citizens at the forefront of all its present and future development projects", he noted. He went on to say that exemption of the UAE from the Schengen visa process has many positive benefits to the UAE citizen, since it will now be much easier for UAE citizens to travel within the European states which are members of the Schengen Agreement. It will also save a lot of time, effort and money as well as saving them from the long procedures to obtain entry visas from these countries. "It will also allow our students more opportunity to know European universities better and choose whichever suits them best in the pursuit of their education", he noted. Sheikh Abdullah re-affirmed the desire of the UAE to establish effective and strong relations with important regional groupings, in the forefront of which is the European Union, within the framework of the country's active foreign policy, which seeks to build relations with all countries, to serve the supreme national interest and to enhance its presence both regionally and internationally. Sheikh Abdullah recalled that, as part of the development of UAE-European relations, the European Union has opened a diplomatic mission in Abu Dhabi. He also mentioned the Friends of the UAE Society, linking the EU and the UAE, noting that this is testimony to the genuine respect of the EU for the UAE and for its wise policies and keenness to build cooperation and coordination in various fields locally, besides taking the opportunity to offer the UAE’s experience in development as a pioneering example both regionally and internationally. He praised the admirable behaviour of UAE citizens while visiting European countries, noting that they had been excellent ambassadors for their country, providing examples of the country’s status in various fields. This, Sheikh Abdullah noted, "has been a decisive factor in the decision to exempt UAE citizens from the Schengen visa requirement." The UAE Foreign Minister reiterated his praise of the exemplary behaviour of the UAE citizens and their high standard of behaviour in respecting the rules and regulations of the countries they were visiting, adding that this showed the way in which they displayed tolerance and openness towards other cultures and peoples. He extended his thanks to the Friends of the UAE in the EU Parliament, UAE Ambassadors in member countries, the relevant departments at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE Mission in Brussels as well as to any others who had helped to achieve this strategic mission. - Emirates News Agency, WAM – http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates/1395280226603.html

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