UAE made tolerance cornerstone of nation-building: FNC Speaker
Among the attendees were Tulia Ackson, President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and Speaker of the National Assembly of Tanzania;
Lorenzo Fontana, President of the Chamber of Deputies of Italy, and Ignazio La Russa, President of the Senate of Italy.
The UAE delegation included several FNC members.
In his keynote, Ghobash spotlighted the Document on Human Fraternity, launched in Abu Dhabi in 2019 under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as a transformative milestone in interreligious and intercultural relations.
'This document was not merely a declaration of intent,' he said, 'but a moral and philosophical framework transcending religious faiths, establishing a new global ethic that elevates human dignity above all affiliations.'
'We gather today as representatives of our peoples, who, despite their different languages, cultures, and religious traditions, are united by enduring human values — values that safeguard dignity, belief, and the right to live in safety and peace,' Ghobash added.
Ghobash also emphasised the symbolic importance of holding the conference in Rome, a city that has long served as a historic centre of human thought and civic development.
'Rome has, for centuries, embodied a dynamic civilisational path where nations interacted in the realms of philosophy, politics, law, citizenship, and pluralism.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sharjah 24
6 days ago
- Sharjah 24
Drug lord 'Fito,' criminal mastermind in Ecuador
The former taxi driver turned crime boss became the prime target of law enforcement early last year after escaping from a prison in the southwestern port of Guayaquil. President Daniel Noboa's government then released "WANTED" posters with images of his face and offered $1 million for information leading to his capture. In a country plagued by crime, members of Macias Villamar's gang, Los Choneros, have responded with violence, using car bombs, holding prison guards hostage and taking over a television station during a live broadcast by force. After months of pursuit, Fito was captured in the coastal city of Manta in a massive military and police operation in which no shots were fired. According to local media, he was found hiding in a bunker accessible by lifting a trap door in the floor of a luxury home. After his recapture, President Noboa predicted that more crime bosses would fall. "We will take back the country. Without respite," he declared. Noboa also said his government was awaiting a response from US authorities regarding Fito's extradition. American prosecutors have charged him, in absentia, with seven counts of cocaine distribution, conspiracy and firearms-related crimes, including weapons smuggling. They allege his gang worked with Mexico's Sinaloa cartel to control key drug trafficking routes between South America and the United States. Prison boss Before his escape in January 2024, Fito was the boss of his Guayaquil prison, which was adorned with images glorifying him, weapons, dollars and lions. Videos show celebrations he held inside the prison, including with fireworks and a mariachi band. In one clip, he appears waving, laughing and petting a fighting rooster. Fito exercised "significant internal control over the prison," the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) noted in a 2022 report following a meeting with the gang leader. He earned his law degree in prison, where he was serving a 34-year sentence for weapons possession, drug trafficking, organized crime and murder. Los Choneros, which first engaged in common crimes, later established links with Colombian and Mexican drug traffickers. The gang currently has ties to the Sinaloa cartel, the Gulf Clan -- the world's largest cocaine exporter -- and Balkan mafias, according to the Ecuadorian Organized Crime Observatory. The defense ministry has estimated that the gang is present in 10 of Ecuador's 24 provinces. Virtual army On social media, Los Choneros threatens journalists and issues warnings to other gangs in videos set to music. "Active, Choneros, we are lions here. With Uncle Fito, as expected, controlling the neighborhood, we are bosses here," they say in one of their songs. When Fito escaped from prison, he was identified as the mastermind behind the assassination of presidential candidate and anti-corruption crusader Fernando Villavicencio in August 2023. Then-president Guillermo Lasso ordered his transfer to a maximum-security prison in a law enforcement operation that sparked protests by prisoners. The investigation later took a turn and focused on Los Lobos, a rival gang, as being behind Villavicencio's murder. Fito had also escaped prison in 2013, but he eluded authorities for only three months.
Dubai Eye
23-06-2025
- Dubai Eye
FNC holds special UAE–EU session
The Federal National Council (FNC) held a special UAE–European session in Abu Dhabi on Monday, chaired by Speaker Saqr Ghobash, as part of its 18th legislative term. The high-level session welcomed Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, along with ministers, senior officials, EU ambassadors and European business leaders operating in the UAE. In his opening remarks, Ghobash welcomed Metsola and her delegation, stressing the UAE's commitment to dialogue and parliamentary cooperation. He said the session marks the start of deeper joint initiatives on global challenges such as peace, sustainable development and combating extremism. Ghobash also addressed urgent regional issues, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and a political resolution to the conflict. He reaffirmed the UAE's stance on diplomacy and dialogue in resolving disputes and tensions, including the targeting of Iranian nuclear facilities. In her speech, Metsola praised the UAE's leadership in promoting peace and coexistence, calling the visit a turning point in EU-UAE relations. "I stand before you today representing 450 million European citizens, carrying a message of hope and optimism that this visit will mark a new beginning for strengthening our bilateral ties and expanding the horizons of partnership between the European Parliament and the UAE through constructive dialogue and cooperation," she said. The President of the European Parliament highlighted strong UAE-EU trade ties, valued at €328 billion (AED 1.39 trillion), and emphasised tourism, education and culture as key pillars of future cooperation. Metsola concluded by describing the relationship as entering a new phase of strategic partnership, built on shared values and a common vision for global peace and prosperity. انعقاد الجلسة البرلمانية الخاصة الإماراتية الأوروبية، برئاسة معالي صقر غباش رئيس المجلس الوطني الاتحادي، وبحضور معالي روبيرتا ميتسولا رئيسة البرلمان الأوروبية. — المجلس الوطني الاتحادي (@fnc_uae) June 23, 2025
Sharjah 24
23-06-2025
- Sharjah 24
Federal National Council holds special ‘UAE–EU' session
Warm welcome and opening remarks Saqr Ghobash opened the session with a welcome speech, greeting Roberta Metsola and her delegation. He also acknowledged key UAE officials including Minister of Justice Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, and other senior government representatives. Attendance of key stakeholders The session included EU ambassadors, European business leaders with UAE ventures, members of the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, Emirates Youth Councils, and the Children's Parliament, symbolising a broad spectrum of UAE–EU engagement. Emphasis on dialogue and shared values In his remarks, Ghobash highlighted the UAE's commitment to dialogue, human dignity, and tolerance. He praised the visit as a sign of mutual respect and a shared parliamentary vision rooted in common humanitarian values. Tribute to the UAE's founding vision Ghobash paid tribute to the UAE's Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and current leadership for upholding the nation's principles of peace and cooperation. Strengthening parliamentary cooperation The FNC Speaker noted the significance of Metsola's visit in deepening parliamentary cooperation, setting the stage for joint action on global issues like sustainable development, peace, climate safety, and combating extremism. Humanitarian concerns and regional stability Ghobash voiced concern over the worsening situation in Gaza and stressed the importance of de-escalation, civilian protection, and a path to peace. He also expressed alarm at rising regional tensions, particularly concerning Iranian nuclear facilities, calling for diplomacy as the only solution. Metsola's remarks: A new era of UAE–EU partnership In her address, Roberta Metsola described the UAE–EU relationship as entering a renewed phase based on peace, prosperity, and openness. She praised the UAE's role in promoting coexistence and diplomacy, and highlighted its growing global stature. Economic and cultural ties strengthen cooperation Metsola noted that the EU is the UAE's second-largest trading partner, with €328 billion in mutual investments. She emphasized tourism, education, and culture as core areas for future collaboration. Vision for strategic future cooperation Concluding her remarks, Metsola expressed hope that this session would mark the start of deeper strategic cooperation. She affirmed that with strong political will and mutual trust, UAE–EU relations could flourish across multiple domains.
