Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz sent a cable of congratulations to UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the occasion of UAEs 46th National Day. King Salman expressed best felicitations to the president, government and people of the United Arab Emirates, wishing the president constant good health and happiness and his people steady progress and prosperity. The Custodian also lauded the fraternal ties binding the two countries and peoples, vowing to continue enhancing them in all fields. In addition, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Premier and Minister of Defense of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, sent a cable of congratulations to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. In his cable, the Crown Prince expressed best felicitations to the president, government and people of UAE, wishing the president constant good health and happiness and his people steady progress and prosperity. UAE President Sheikh Khalifa stated that the countrys foreign policy has proven the soundness of the approach adopted since the establishment of the state, which is characterized by an active vibrancy and presence at regional and international scenes to serve the national interests. The president renewed UAEs rejection of any "foreign interference undermining our security or security and the stability of our brethren in the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia or any other sisterly or friendly state. He also reiterated that extremism and terrorism are fed by policies motivated by ambitions for hegemony and adventures for influence from states supporting and financing terrorist and extremist groups. The president called upon: "Iranian government to sit at the negotiating table for dialogue or to accept international arbitration to resolve the issue of our three occupied islands as part of efforts to maintain security and stability in the Arabian Gulf region – a top priority in our policy." According to the president, there can be no exit from this "dark tunnel" without a collective consensus that prevents any party whatsoever to disrupt regional and international efforts to realise stability. He also called for adopting joint measures to hold terrorism sponsors, financiers and supporters accountable. "We in the United Arab Emirates are at the forefront of the efforts aimed at restoring security and stability in sisterly Yemen, at returning Egypt to its natural leading role in the Arab World, and at restoring security and stability to Syria, Libya, Iraq, Lebanon, Somalia, Afghanistan and others. We are also among the countries that support efforts aimed at making the Middle East a region free from weapons of mass destruction," he declared. Sheikh Khalifa stated that economic growth is not an end but rather a means to make life more balanced and moderate, reiterating that a development that does not integrate the cultural dimension is not sustainable. Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also spoke on the occasion of the 46th National Day, where he said that the 46th anniversary of the establishment of the Union comes at a time UAE has become more stable and powerful. He attributed the countrys stability to the noble legacy passed down through the years and shaped the vision of the founding fathers who instilled values of patriotism and love for the homeland. "We have already embarked on the UAE Centennial 2071 Strategy, which is a unique, future-oriented, long-term government plan aimed at sustaining UAE’s development into its 100th anniversary, charting a path and laying a solid foundation for the future of the UAE. Our objective is for future generations in the UAE to lead happier lives in a thriving environment with abundant opportunities, more connectivity and global influence," said Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid He also noted that many people think that "we are just dreaming, but we remind these people of the fact that our Union started as a dream at the hands of visionary people," referring to the late Sheikh Zayed and his brother, late Sheikh Rashid. The Sheikh also stated that Emirati people are the backbone of the country and the state’s most cherished asset. Similarly, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, spoke on the National Day where he described the 2nd of December as a day that witnessed the establishment of a country that would become, within just a few decades, a model of successful state building and a fine example of a united and cohesive nation. He reiterated that: "We will save no effort to foster and strengthen our unity and cohesiveness. As we renew this solemn pledge, we realize that our unity is the source of our strength in the face of adversities, and the point from which we move into building and growing our nation." Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan stated that amid all the challenges facing nations around the world, maintaining stability is more pressing than ever. "This is the path that our country will take so that it remains young and prosperous, so that its people enjoy a life of peace and prosperity, so that we keep our country in the vanguard of great nations," he concluded.