SHARJAH // Residents should use National Day as an "opportunity to encourage all to achieve their hopes and our hope", the Ruler of Sharjah said in a speech to mark the 42nd anniversary of the union.
Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi spoke ahead of the celebrations and congratulated President Sheikh Khalifa.
“Anyone who pursues the history of the union of the United Arab Emirates, which was founded more than four decades ago, should feel the endeavours and efforts made by the founders of the union in their struggle for this entity,” he said.
This struggle “derived from all the difficulties they faced and the obstacles encountered in their way [and the] energies and greater resolve to continue working for the principle that they believed in”, said Dr Sheikh Sultan.
This strength of character has helped to push forward the country and allow it to “emulate major countries in its achievements”.
“The UAE, thanks to God and thanks to the efforts of its loyal sons, has provided the opportunity to build a solid union based on strong and firm foundations, laid down by the late Sheikh Zayed,” Dr Sheikh Sultan told Dira’a Al Watan magazine, reported the state news agency Wam.
“We prayed to God that this union will be the core of our strength, way and our guide to preserve its rules in this difficult time, which [has] witnessed a lot of changes and tragedies that requires from everyone to take lessons and maintain this nation and its soil and unity,” Dr Sheikh Sultan said.
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