“The constructive dialogue taking place in the Federal National Council is a testament to the parliamentary maturity of the UAE,” said Her Excellency Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of State for Federal National Council (FNC) Affairs, as the Council concluded the second round of ordinary sessions for its 16th legislative cycle.
H.E. Al Kaabi noted that the synergy between the FNC and the Cabinet is a pragmatic implementation of clear directives from His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; and H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
The Minister of State for FNC Affairs applauded FNC President H.E. Dr Amal Al Qubaisi for her critical role in leading the discussions in the Council and moderating the debates, as well as all FNC members for their efforts to engage with citizens, identify their needs, and bring their concerns to the table during Council sessions. Moreover, H.E. Al Kaabi applauded all the Ministers who represented the federal government, attended the Federal National Council’s sessions, and took into consideration all of the FNC members’ recommendations and proposals.
On the same note, H.E. Al Kaabi commended the General Secretariat of the FNC – headed by FNC First Deputy Speaker H.E. Ahmed bin Shabib Al Dhaheri – before praising the Parliamentary Division of the Federal National Council for the successful parliamentary diplomacy efforts it has carried out regionally and internationally. This goes to demonstrate the FNC’s commitment to the UAE Government’s general direction, as well as its support for the country’s foreign policies that are geared towards the region’s safety and stability, H.E. Noura Al Kaabi explained, adding that the Division’s work strengthens global cooperation and fosters positive relations with Arab and international parliaments.
H.E. the Minister lauded the “very successful” Global Summit of Women Speakers of Parliament (organised by the FNC), which shed light on the challenges and trends that are of most concern to the international community, describing the event as an “important international achievement” for the Council that adds to the UAE’s role in supporting global dialogue.
The federal government was thoroughly represented in the FNC’s meetings during the second round of ordinary sessions for the 16th legislative cycle, H.E. assured, revealing that 14 draft federal laws and seven subjects pertaining to various government sectors were discussed. Ministers answered all 73 questions raised by members of the Council: 64 questions were addressed verbally during the meetings, while nine questions received written answers.
The Ministry of State for FNC Affairs is in charge of coordinating between the Government and the Federal National Council; it directs parliamentary efforts towards the general interests of the country and its citizens. The Ministry also develops plans to strengthen the relationship between the two parties, and to follow up with Cabinet decisions that take the FNC’s recommendations into account.