Sheikh Khalifa stressed that "there will be no compromise with whatever threatens our values, our traditions and language, which are the heart of our national identity and the soul of the nation and our heritage." "Thus, we must confront the negative effects of globalisation and the defects in the make-up of our population. Any infringement of our identity is an infringement of the country itself. Simply, it is a violation of the country's sanctity", he remarked.

In this connection, he announced 2008 as the year of National Identity, to strengthen the national elements and components of our society and to specify the threats to them.

"Anyone lacking understanding of their identity is destined to remain in obscurity, whether now or in the future", he added.

Sheikh Khalifa said "the federal state is designed to preserve our identity, to enhance our capacities and to exercise our sovereignty. It ensures our security and stability in the Arabian Gulf, and, indeed, is a guarantee of support for our brothers in the Arab and Islamic worlds.

This, he said, offers a progressive model in the management of international relations on a humanitarian and moral basis.