Strasbourg, France – The United Arab Emirates, represented by the Federal National Council (FNC), participated in the inaugural ceremony for the European Order of Merit, organized by the European Parliament for the first time at its headquarters in Strasbourg. The award honors individuals who have contributed to supporting European integration, consolidating democratic values, and strengthening cooperation between peoples and legislative institutions.
The UAE’s participation was represented by Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the FNC, during the official visit of a FNC delegation to the European Parliament,
aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership and parliamentary cooperation between the two sides.
Emirati presence at a prominent European event
The European Order of Merit ceremony was attended by a number of European political and parliamentary leaders,
along with members of the European Parliament and representatives of official and media institutions.
Saqr Ghobash participated as the sole Arab Speaker of Parliament at this important European event.
The UAE’s participation underscored the country’s commitment to expanding dialogue and cooperation with the European Parliament,
serving shared interests and promoting the values of openness, understanding, and mutual respect.
Strengthening UAE-European parliamentary relations
The European Order of Merit ceremony provided an opportunity to strengthen ties with European parliamentary and political leaders,
fostering UAE-European parliamentary relations and facilitating the exchange of views on issues of common interest.
The presence of the Federal National Council delegation also reflected the UAE’s appreciation for the institutional role of the European Parliament
as a vital platform for international parliamentary dialogue and multilateral cooperation.
An Emirati delegation is participating in the visit
The UAE delegation included Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Defense, Interior, and Foreign Affairs Committee;
Sarah Mohammed Falaknaz, Dr. Marwan Obaid Al Muhairi, and Meera Sultan Al Suwaidi,
members of the Federal National Council; and several officials from the Council’s General Secretariat.
he European Order of Merit is the first official distinction of its kind awarded by an institution of the European Union,
aiming to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to supporting European integration and defending democracy and European values.
