Sharjah24 – WAM: The Federal National Council (FNC) has embodied the country's leadership commitment to empowering citizens and engaging them in the UAE's development and numerous landmark accomplishments over the past 50 years, which have fast-tracked the country's progress and placed it at the fore among nations around the world, said Abdul Rahman Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention and Minister of State for FNC Affairs.

Speaking on the occasion of the Council's 50th anniversary, Al Owais congratulated President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces; Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates; all members of the Council; and the team at the FNC General Secretariat.

"The establishment of the FNC in 1972 came to reinforce the 'Shura' concept on which the UAE was founded, and helped establish a unique and close relationship between Their Highnesses, the Rulers of the Emirates, and their citizens," Al Owais said.

He continued, "This relationship blossomed over the decades and grew to embody the noble values of patriotism and loyalty to our leadership, who has been dedicated, since the establishment of our Union, to listening to citizens' concerns, taking the initiative to address their needs, and providing them with all resources and capabilities to empower them to advance to the highest ranks."

"The Federal National Council itself was a major milestone in the UAE's journey. Through its important supervisory and legislative functions and its role as a fourth federal authority, the FNC has firmly established itself as a partner for the government, supporting and guiding its efforts to drive social and economic development in the UAE. The Council has issued a series of calculated federal laws in line with the wise leadership's aspirations for investing in national competencies."

The minister reaffirmed the tremendous role that the FNC plays in safeguarding the UAE's advancements over the past 50 years and the part it will play in sustaining this journey towards success over the five decades ahead, leading up to the UAE Centennial 2071.

"The Federal National Council has expanded the role that the Emirati people play as an influential partner in the national decision-making process, which has set the stage for new and empowered generations to emerge and take the lead in developing all sectors across the country," he said.

Al Owais noted that the Council had played a significant part in developing and discussing federal laws that ensure excellence and leadership in parliamentary life. He also applauded the accomplishments made in terms of parliamentary diplomacy in promoting the UAE's status regionally and internationally