Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler of Abu Dhabi, was elected unanimously Wednesday evening by the UAE Supreme Council as the new President of the United Arab Emirates.
A statement issued by the Office of the President and quoted by WAM, said: “The Supreme Council of the Rulers of the United Arab Emirates met at Bateen Palace in Abu Dhabi. The meeting was chaired by His Highness Shaikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and was attended by their Highnesses the Supreme Council members and Rulers of the emirates, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler of Abu Dhabi; His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah; His Highness Shaikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah; His Highness Shaikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah; His Highness Shaikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman; and His Highness Shaikh Rashid bin Ahmed Al Mu’alla, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain.”
“The Supreme Council decided unanimously to elect His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan as the President of the United Arab Emirates, to succeed the late His Highness Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, in accordance with Article 51 of the UAE constitution.”
“The Supreme Council Members emphasised their keen desire to be loyal to the principles of leadership and the values of justice and right laid down by the late His Highness Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The Supreme Council also expressed its full confidence that the people of the United Arab Emirates will continue to be the guardians of the UAE federation and of its achievements at all levels.”
“The President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, expressed his appreciation for the trust and confidence shown in him by his colleagues and brothers, the rulers of the emirates. He stressed that he was determined to continue to adhere to, and to work in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the founder of the UAE Federation, in co-operation and co-ordination with his colleagues, the Members of the Supreme Council, so as to continue to foster the progress of the federation and of all that will contribute to its stability and prosperity, as well as to the welfare of its people.”
“The Supreme Council pledged that it would continue to follow the path laid down by the late His Highness Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It expressed its hopes for the success of the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and it hopes that he might enjoy the support of Almighty God in the post he has now assumed.” (albawaba.com)
