VOV.VN -The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Hanoi held celebrations to mark the “Year of Tolerance 2019” on September 25.

 At the event 

Nguyen Phuong Nga, president of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO), along with ambassadors and representatives from various foreign embassies in Vietnam, and leaders from Vietnamese ministries and agencies were among those in attendance at the event. 

In his address, the UAE Ambassador Obaid Saeed Bintaresh Al Dhaheri noted that at present the UAE is home to more than 200 nationalities, including Vietnamese citizens who co-exist side by side with other groups in peace and security.

“This confirms that tolerance in the UAE is not just a word, but tolerance is a value we believe in and work for. It supports every aspect of our life and is a part of our policy. Therefore, we are proud that the UAE is one of the most diverse and successful countries in the world, as a result of our open and inclusive policies”, the diplomat said. 

UAE Ambassador Obaid Saeed Bintaresh Al Dhaheri  

His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, proclaimed 2019 to be “the Year of Tolerance” on 15 December 2018, with the aim of highlighting the country as a global centre of tolerance.

This declaration reflects the founding principles of the UAE which seeks to promote peaceful co-existence and acceptance of people from different nationalities, identities, and cultural backgrounds. These principles highlight the great vision that His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan An Nahyan, the Founding Father of the United Arab Emirates, had for the Middle Eastern country. 

“The appointment of a Minister of State of Tolerance in the UAE Cabinet in 2016, the historic visit to the UAE by His Holiness Pope Francis in February 2019, the first ever Special Olympics World Games held in the Middle East and North Africa which was hosted by Abu Dhabi in March, along with many other activities organised by the UAE are demonstrations of the UAE Government’s commitment to fostering tolerance throughout the UAE as well the wider world”, he added. 

Delegates attend the celebrations  

During her speech, VUFO President Nguyen Phuong Nga said that Vietnam had made tremendous sacrifices for the right to live in peace. In addition to this, Vietnamese people were understanding of the values of tolerance as the country had fought for fundamental human rights, stability, and strong economic development.

“We share the belief that diversity makes us strong and tolerance serves to bring us together”, she highlighted.

Nga also stressed that in contemporary society, tolerance is more essential than ever before. 

“Let’s work together to generate public awareness of the dangers of intolerance. Let’s take action with a renewed commitment to support the promotion of tolerance and education to boost the values of tolerance, dialogues, co-existence and openness to different cultures in our societies”, she said.

In observation of Year of Tolerance’s activities, UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has issued a decree on doubling women representation (50 percent) in the nation's Federal National Council from the current 22.5 per cent.

The first traditional Hindu stone temple in the UAE will be built soon and is due for completion in 2020.