The following is a translation of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashed’s speech on Monday at the signing of the Human Fraternity Declaration, which seeks to build bridges of love, amity and coexistence among peoples and to confront extremism and its negative impacts.
 
"On Behalf of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, it is my great honour to welcome His Holiness Pope Francis, Pope of the Catholic Church, and His Eminence Dr. Ahmed el-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al Azhar, to the United Arab Emirates – a country of peaceful coexistence, tolerance and diversity.
 
“Today, we celebrate together the signing of the ‘Human Fraternity document’. This is a historic moment which emphasises, above all, the importance of cultivating respectful dialogue and understanding among followers not just of the two faiths represented here today, but among all people, of all faiths. The UAE is delighted to serve as the foundation and platform of this remarkable event.
 
“I am also pleased to announce the launch of the ‘Human Fraternity Award - From Dar Zayed’. The purpose of this award is to honour those who work tirelessly and sincerely to bring people together. Today, the UAE is honoured to bestow this inaugural award on both His Holiness Pope Francis and His Eminence Dr. Ahmad At-Tayyeb for their distinguished and determined efforts to foster peace between people throughout the world.
 
“Your Holiness, Your Eminence, Honoured Guests.
 
“We stand here with you on this historic day and pledge that the United Arab Emirates will continue to bear the banner of human fraternity and to be its protector. We pledge not only to continue to support all the efforts being made to make this region more peaceful, but to lead that effort. Ours is a pledge of fraternity, tolerance and dialogue.”