The UAE celebrates on December 2, 2016 the 45th National Day anniversary. On this day in 1971, we witnessed the unification of the Emirates that brought with it prosperity, stability, and security to the Emirati people. UAE National Day is a day of great pride. National Day marks not only an occasion where the successes achieved over the last 45 years by our nation are celebrated, but also provides a time to reflect upon the legacy left by the founding father of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
The incredible achievements of the UAE, borne out of the foresight and vision of His Highness Sheikh Zayed, and his fellow leaders of the UAE's constituent Emirates, are a testament to what can be achieved through dedication, toil, unity, and commitment.
This vision of the UAE's forefathers is something that is respected and strongly adhered to by the UAE's current leadership. Under President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and his brothers Their Highnesses members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates the UAE Government has remained dedicated to ensuring the ongoing advancement, prosperity, and happiness of the Emirati people.
The political, economic, and social development of the UAE is an achievement that has been made possible due to a gradual and balanced approach, whereby UAE decision makers have consistently taken into consideration the international and regional environment and the unique nature of the country, and it's historical, cultural, and religious conditions when embarking upon political change.
In spite of all the dramatic changes that have engulfed the Middle East and the world over recent years, the country's foreign policy has remained faithful to the principles laid down by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. These principles are based upon the country's commitment to the rules, charters, and laws of international human rights, as well as moderation, and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.
Critical to the UAE's international approach has been a focus upon humanitarianism and assistance to those in need. The development, humanitarian, and charitable assistance provided by the United Arab Emirates over the last 45 years has covered more than 21 sectors, spanning 178 countries. This aid has been extended with the explicit aim of improving the lives of human beings, no matter their location, race, or creed, and is a policy that made the UAE one of the world's most generous aid donors.
Buttressing the UAE's regional and international role has been our country's continued economic growth. The UAE was able to absorb and overcome the negative effects of the global financial crisis, which continues to plague many of the world's economies. The UAE economy continues its march towards growth and comprehensive development, with a considerable focus on the industrial and manufacturing sectors. Most importantly, the UAE economy has become increasingly more diversified and sustainable. Gross domestic product (GDP) has reached around AED 1.58 trillion (USD 430.517 billion) in 2015, compared with AED 1.47 trillion in 2014, and the contribution of non-oil sectors to the UAE's GDP has risen significantly, accounting for more than 76% in 2015.
On this historical occasion, I would like to express my sincere congratulations to His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and his brothers Their Highnesses members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates and to the Government and people of the UAE on the occasion of the National Day.
Finally, I would like to express my appreciation for the strong bilateral ties that bring together our two countries, the ties that are based on the principles of cooperation and mutual respect, and developed in recent years to the level of strategic partnership between the two friendly countries. The mutual visits of the leaders of our two countries, the growing levels of trade and economic and cultural exchanges, are standing witnesses on the strength of the relationships that bind our countries in all fields.
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