Abdullah bin Zayed launches Flag Day celebrations

Abu Dhabi: Foreign Minister H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan yesterday raised the UAE flag at the premises of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the attendance of all employees, in response to a call from the Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for all federal ministries and institutions to fly the UAE flag as a symbol of unity throughout the country. The Flag Day also coincides with the anniversary of the assumption of power by the President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. In a statement on the occasion, Sheikh Abdullah said: ''It is my great pleasure to participate with you and with the government and the people of the UAE in the joy of flying the national flag aloft on every entity and house as a symbol of belonging to the UAE and in recognition of the high esteem in which it is held in the hearts of UAE citizens.'' Sheikh Abdullah said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was marking the day in response to the national Flag Day campaign to mark the day when Sheikh Khalifa became President and as part of celebrations for the country's 42nd National Day. The minister expressed his pleasure at the overwhelming response to the Flag Day celebrations, which, he said, shows how UAE citizens are proud of their belonging to their homeland under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa, a national symbol and a loyal leader for both the nation and its people. Sheikh Abdullah concluded by saying that the Flag Day is a national occasion which all across the country are proud, and that it provides an opportunity for expressing the feelings of intimacy and loyalty the UAE people harbour for their homeland and their leader, Sheikh Khalifa. – Emirates News Agency, WAM