Dr Anwar Gargash, UAE minister of state for federal national council affairs, stressed on the importance accorded by the cabinet and the FNC to the safety and security of the UAE, in the context of the current economic boom. 

He said that given the overall socio-economic prosperity of the country, which in turn drives further economic growth, it is important to emphasise on overall safety and security measures.

The ninth session of FNC, attended by Lt General Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Interior, and other senior members, elaborated on the policies of the ministry of interior.

Dr Gargash praised the professional and transparent approach of Sheikh Saif in addressing the queries of FNC members on the workings of the Ministry.

Tarek Lootah, director-general – MFNCA, said: “The government and the FNC are committed to the initiatives of the UAE’s leadership with regards to crucial national security issues.'

'This puts further responsibility on the ministry of interior to enhance the security and welfare of UAE residents, and the transparency of Sheikh Saif brings more clarity to the approach of the ministry in dealing with the possible security implications of the current economic boom,” he noted.

Lootah praised the professionalism of FNC members in reflecting the concerns of the people through the ideas and recommendations they suggested at the FNC session.

He reiterated the role of the FNC in promoting a healthy political culture in addressing issues of national interest and the stability of the country.

Lootah also unveiled the shared vision of FNC and the UAE government in establishing policies that ensure national security and cement the UAE’s reputation as one of the safest countries world wide.

Dr Gargash highlighted the importance of the participation of the UAE delegation, led by the Speaker of the FNC, to the Arab parliamentary union conference held in Iraq recently.

Dr Gargash said the cabinet is giving top priority to the issue of the difficulties faced by UAE nationals at the foreign embassies of certain countries, which already enjoy priority status with respect to visas for their citizens to the UAE.

He said that each country has its own immigration procedures and the possibility of the UAE pursuing harsher measures against visa procedures for nationals from these countries is on the cabinet’s agenda.

This is to ensure that UAE nationals do not face hardships in these countries and are given fair, reciprocal attention, he added.-TradeArabia News Service