ABU DHABI — The coronavirus pandemic has changed "everything" in the daily routine of people and nations as well as the priorities of governments all around the world, bringing the world's economy to a near standstill, said President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan in his address to the Federal National Council, the parliamentary body of the UAE, on Thursday

The UAE president, who opened the second ordinary session of the 17th Legislative Chapter of the FNC on Thursday, acknowledged this year's unique circumstances in light of the coronavirus pandemic saying: "You resume your work today in a time full of challenges and regional and international changes."

President Sheikh Khalifa also praised the UAE's "exemplary" performance in facing the pandemic and its progressive handling of the plight and this performance was enhanced and boosted by our will to continue to give.

The country has provided medical and relief aid to more than 100 countries worldwide. It was also strengthened when the country moved forward with its peaceful nuclear program by operating the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, and the space program with the launch of 'Hope Probe' to Mars, he added.

"The strategic importance of our region has made its security and stability synonymous with the rest of the world. We have to always adapt our policy to support the foundations of security and stability of our country and region, based on the adherence to the principles of international law, peaceful coexistence, and resolving differences through dialogue. In this context, the Abrahamic Peace Accord came as a tributary of peace that supports the aspirations of the peoples of the region to achieve prosperity and progress," President Sheikh Khalifa told lawmakers.

He added: "Our performance in facing the pandemic was exemplary and praised by the World Health Organisation, and many countries of the world. However, we must understand that the pandemic has not ended yet and we must continue our work to combat it. I urge all citizens and residents to renew their commitment to preventive measures and to follow the recommendations of the relevant authorities."

President Sheikh Khalifa also said: "The pandemic has opened up the potential for new developments and opportunities, and we have, accordingly, restructured the government to further enable it to keep pace with the changes, to hasten its decision-making, and to seize more opportunities." — WAM