Mother Teresa Humanitarian Medal to Sheikha Fatima

The Republic of Kosovo has awarded H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, the Mother Teresa Humanitarian Medal and a certificate of appreciation for her contributions in the humanitarian work and her constant commitment to improving people's living conditions across the world.

Sheikha Fatima received the medal, the highest honour in Kosovo, from the President of the Republic of Kosovo, Atifete Jahjaga, during a meeting at Al Bahr Palace yesterday. Sheikha Al Yaziya bint Saif bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, wife of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister; Dr. Maytha bint Salem Al Shamsi, Minister of State; Hafsa Abdulla Al Ulama, Ambassador of the UAE to Montenegro and Non-resident Ambassador to Kosovo; and Maha Taysir Barakat, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Health Authority, were present at the award-giving ceremony.

In a statement on the occasion, President Jahjaga said, 'H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Mother of the Nation, stands as a visionary global leader whose commitment and dedication to peace and equality of mankind has touched the lives of thousands of citizens across the world.

It is in H.H.'s noble contribution and invaluable commitment that the citizens of Kosovo have found unconditional support for their well-being and their welfare since their most trying times."

"We have seeded the relation between our citizens and countries in the humanitarian crisis caused by a bloody war, when hundreds of thousands of families were forced to leave their homes in unknown direction in search for a safe shelter.

"Despair was the only thing they brought along, they found hope and comfort in refugee camp in Kukes built and run by the UAE Armed Forces in their first humanitarian mission to Europe.

"The support of the citizens and institutions of the UAE, and especially the support of Your Highness has followed the citizens of Kosovo and its institutions in all steps of state building, reminding us that friendship, solidarity and generosity amongst people surpass borders. The citizens of Kosovo and its institutions will eternally remain grateful! "Your Highness, your role and dedication to translate the welfare of mothers and children into the central drive in the development of the society and progress of the whole country, has not only been crucial in guaranteeing their rights in the UAE society but has also set a standard which should be followed by the whole world.

"Your continuous commitment to improve the lives of citizens worldwide and to offer mothers, women and girls equal opportunities in the societies is contributing in making the world a safer place.

"Your Highness, for the noble contribution in response to the refugee and humanitarian crisis and continuous invaluable commitment for the well-being and welfare of the citizens of Kosovo, I have decided to award Your Highness the Presidency Mother Teresa Humanitarian Presidential Medal."

On her part, Sheikha Fatima welcomed the President of Kosovo to the UAE, expressing the hope the visit would contribute towards deepening bilateral ties between the friendly countries and peoples, particularly when it comes to issues concerning women.

Expressing gratitude to President Jahjaga for honouring her, Sheikha Fatima said, 'The Medal is an honour to all sons and daughters of the UAE, who are characterised with virtues of nobleness, generosity and racing towards humanitarian works.' During the meeting Sheikha Fatima and President Jahjaga discussed a variety of issues concerning women and ways to enhance joint cooperation on these issues as well as sharing experiences and experiments and information in that respect.

President Jahjaga commended the significant progress the UAE women have made, notably in assuming senior and leadership roles. She expressed her keenness to benefit from the UAE's model in the development of family, maternity and childhood and in empowerment of women so as to play their leading role in community development.

She also praised Sheikha Fatima for extending substantial developmental and humanitarian assistance for the reconstruction and re-development of Kosovo and for the advancement of the family, mothers and children during the critical time Kosovo experienced.
Source: WAM