Honourable senators, it is my honour and privilege to welcome His Excellency Abdulrahman Ali Alneyadi, the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates, or UAE, to the Senate of Canada, in particular, at this significant moment as the UAE celebrates its fifty-fourth Eid Al Etihad, also known as National Day.

National Day is a time of pride and reflection, honouring the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed ibn Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father who united seven emirates into one remarkable nation. On behalf of the Senate of Canada, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to the leadership and people of the United Arab Emirates, or U.A.E. Today marks not only a celebration of the U.A.E.’s founding and remarkable journey but also marks a reaffirmation of the bonds that unite our two nations.

The U.A.E. National Day marks the memory of a visionary union — a declaration of unity and shared purpose amongst Emiratis. Over the decades, under wise leadership, the U.A.E. has transformed into a beacon of progress, innovation and global engagement. Canadians admire the U.A.E.’s commitment to modernization, openness and forward-looking development. This celebrates not only a rich national heritage but also a nation built on stability, ambition and a deep regard for diversity.

Today’s visit comes on the heels of a recent historic trip by our Prime Minister Mark Carney to Abu Dhabi. During that visit, Canada and the U.A.E. signed a new foreign investment promotion and protection agreement and launched negotiations toward a comprehensive economic partnership agreement, setting the stage for a new era of deeper economic cooperation.

This breakthrough visit underscores our shared commitment to trade and investment as well as collaboration in sectors from critical minerals and clean energy to technology, infrastructure, food security and humanitarian partnerships. Our countries already enjoy a strong foundation of friendship: Many Canadian companies operate in the U.A.E., and many Canadians live and work there, while trade flows and its cultural ties continue to grow. The new agreement promises to expand opportunities for workers, businesses and communities on both sides of the Atlantic.

Your Excellency, by joining us in the Senate today, you give us a chance to publicly reaffirm what many Canadians and many Emiratis already know: The relationship between Canada and the U.A.E. is not just strategic but also grounded in mutual respect and a vision for a prosperous, stable future.

On this special occasion of your National Day, and considering the renewed energy in our bilateral partnership, on behalf of my colleagues in the Senate, I offer our warmest welcome and our firm commitment to working with you to continue to enhance this relationship. Congratulations. Shukran.