CELEBRATING 49TH NATIONAL DAY IN THE TIME OF COVID,
UAE ABLE TO CONSOLIDATE ITS HUMANITARIAN
APPROACH, A FUNDAMENTAL PILLAR OF EMIRATI POLICY
UAE EMBASSY,PRETORIA
2 DECEMBER 2020
On the occasion of the 49thNational celebration, His Excellency Ambassador Mahash Saeed
AlHameli hosted a reception in celebration of the 49thNational Day of the United Arab
Emirates at the Sheraton Hotel in Pretoria.During the ceremony All Covid-19 protocolas set
out by the Government of the Republic of South Africawere observedto ensure the safety of
all guests.
Yearly, on December 2nd, UAE commemorates the establishment of the United Arab
Emirates,marking a reflection of the federation’s journey rich in monumental events and
achievements, building on the foundation that was first laid down by the late Sheikh Zayed
bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his brothers, the fellow founding fathers.
In his speech Ambassador Mahash Alhameli said “Today, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin
Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, follows in their footsteps, leading our nation in its
journey towards the future. This auspicious occasion is a reminder of all the successes and
achievement accomplished over 49 years under one flag, in unity.
In this year, which witnessed the biggest crisis facing humanity in decades due to the novel
coronavirus pandemic, the UAE was able to consolidate its humanitarian approach, which is
a fundamental pillar of Emirati policy, especially in international cooperation and solidarity
with societies in need.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak around the world, the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) established a diplomatic approach long
adopted by the UAE, cooperating with all countries around the world and lending a helping
hand to communities in need of support and assistance, to enhance and strengthen
international and multilateral cooperation under extraordinary circumstances.
This global context has shed the light on the Ministry’s key role in coordinating with
international organizations and external parties in various countries to secure vital
assistance to tackle the crisis induced by the global pandemic, adopting the UAE’s long
standing approach towards enhancing cooperation between the various parties to overcome
current challenges.
The UAE has thus delivered medical supplies to over 120 countries in need, assisting more
than 1.6 million medical workers worldwide in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, a
clear demonstration of the considerable potential and capabilities of the UAE aid sector,
enabling it to reach over a third of the countries in the world despite difficulties and
challenges suffered by most shipping and storage sectors globally.
The humanitarian role of UAE aid sector went beyond sending aid to countries in need; it
featured coordination at the highest levels with relevant international organizations and
specialized bodies, particularly the World Health Organization, and the World Food
Programme and its assistance in delivering medical and food supplies to some countries,
strengthening the capacity of these organizations to reach the largest international
beneficiarygroup in all parts of the world and contributing to the provision of the necessary
medical supplies.
In this regard, the UAE has become the main artery of logistics operations for international
organizations that have established strategic warehouses located in the InternationalHumanitarian City in Dubai, and the first responder to global crises, particularly COVID-19
aid.
The UAE is keen to be a logistical center for the global distribution of the Covid-19 vaccine,
as part of its efforts to help the world to confront the Coronavirus and pave the way for the
recovery of the global economy.
Amidst the global crisis resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic, Expo 2020 Dubai has been
postponed, as these are unprecedented times, and the health and safety of all Expo 2020
participants remains a top priority for the country. Many Expo participant countries were
significantly impacted by COVID-19 and they have therefore expressed a need to postpone
the opening of Expo 2020 Dubai by one year, to help them overcome this challenge. The
UAE supported this proposal in the Steering Committee meeting in a spirit of solidarity and
unity.
The UAE is proud to host the World Expo 2020 Dubai next October and over six months, as
it coincides with the UAE celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the union. This will
allow all participants to overcome the repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic, and provide
an exceptional opportunity to focus on the common desire to formulate new thinking to
find solutions to some of the most pressing challenges.
The Government of the Republic of South Africa was represented by Honourable Lindiwe
Sisulu, Minister of Settlements, Water and Sanitation of the Republic of South Africa who
was the Guest of Honour.In her remarks,the former Minister of International
Relations,noted the strong ties with UAE.Commenting on the UAE’s support to the Republic
of South Africa, the Ministerexpressed the Governments gratitude to the UAE government
for the delivery ofaid of 7 tons of medical supplies to the Republic of South Africato curb
the spread of Covid-19 pandemic during Covid-19 Crisis in April.
In recalling the visit of her counterpartHis Highness Sheihk Abdullah bin Zayed Al
Nahyan,and the signing of theJoint Communiqué of the 2ndSession of the Joint
Commission between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of South Africa which was
signed in Pretoria on 22 October 2018,the Former Minister of International
Cooperationexpressed appreciation on the strides made in building strong cooperation links
on a variety of fields during their meeting as well asexpressed hersincere gratitude towards
the Government ofUAEfor the hospitality extended toherand herdelegation during her visit
to UAE.