During the meeting, which was held in the presence of the President’s Representative, Shaikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Shaikh Khalifa warmly welcomed the Lebanese Speaker and expressed the UAE’s great respect for Lebanon and its people. He also reiterated his country’s commitment to supporting Lebanon and to continue to contribute to its stability and progress.

“This is the UAE’s permanent policy, which we shall never allow any casual flaw or shortcoming to soil its cleanness,” Shaikh Khalifa said.

The UAE President praised all expatriates living in the UAE, irrespective of their nationality and affiliation, for their efforts and positive contributions in various areas.

He pointed out that the UAE is exercising its sovereign rights in taking decisions it saw necessary and that in so doing the country does not target any nationality, religious sect or faction, adding that whatever measures the country takes is limited to only those violating the laws of the state.

Berri expressed gratitude to Shaikh Khalifa for the warm hospitality accorded to the Lebanese residents in the UAE, and said that his meeting with the President was “overwhelmingly successful.”

Berri was quoted on Tuesday by Lebanon’s National News Agency as saying that his visit to the UAE and meeting with Shaikh Khalifa was “an opportunity to express Lebanon’s gratitude and appreciation to the UAE; the country of unity and the successful example that should be followed in the whole Arab world, especially in these difficult times”.

“It is no coincidence that the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan rebuilt (Yemen’s) Ma’areb dam to regain unity among Arab tribes. I have expressed thanks to President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa for the huge support the UAE has been offering to Lebanon, including contribution to the Arab Joint Force in 1967, the support made following Israeli aggression on Lebanon in 2006, active participation in the state conference, de-mining project and support to Lebanon’s economy.”

“Importantly,” he went on, “UAE is hosting tens of thousands of Lebanese citizens who view the country as their second home, thanks to generosity and care of the UAE.”