European Parliament wishes good health for Sheikh Khalifa

Brussels (WAM): The Delegation for relations with the Arab Peninsula of the European Parliament's foreign committee has expressed best wishes of good health for UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. They said that Sheikh Khalifa had set a role model of the successful leader, who placed his country among the ranks of advanced nations. The MPs made their remarks during a session of discussion with their UAE counterparts. Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr, Speaker of UAE Federal National Council (FNC), said the GCC and EU maintain strategic partnership and constructive cooperation in various areas including economic, political and energy fields. He cited the EU's vital role in supporting security and stability in the Middle East in general and the Gulf in particular given its long experiences over centuries in promoting principles of justice, democracy and freedom. During the session, the two sides discussed the latest developments in the Arab region with emphasis on the crisis in Syria and EU's efforts to end it. Al Murr affirmed the UAE backs regional and international efforts to achieve stability and security in the region. He explained to the UAE's respect and protection for human rights, which were grounded in the UAE constitution, has earned it membership in the UN Human Rights Council. The international community, he continued, has recognised the UAE as a promoter and upholder of values of tolerance, cultural diversity and peaceful co-existence. Al Murr also spoke about the political and education systems, gender equality, empowerment of women and child rights among other topics of common concern On the labour rights, he said the UAE was adopting a transparent policies and initiatives that ensure protection of contractual workers' rights in line with international standards and conventions. - Emirates News Agency, WAM –