Today's Edition
ISTANBUL (WAM)
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of the Republic of Türkiye has awarded H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the “Mother of the Nation”, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, the Order of the Republic, in recognition of her pioneering efforts in supporting women, family, and childhood causes, as well as her outstanding humanitarian and social contributions regionally and internationally.
The honour was conferred during her visit to Dolmabahçe Palace, in the presence of Emine Erdoğan, wife of President Erdoğan, and Sheikha Fatima's accompanying delegation.
H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak is the first female figure to receive this prestigious order, which is granted by the President of Türkiye upon the recommendation of the Cabinet.
The awarding of the Order of the Republic reflects a high appreciation of Sheikha Fatima's pioneering initiatives, development, humanitarian, and social projects, which have contributed to building more cohesive and prosperous societies. It also highlights the international recognition of the status of the "Mother of the Nation" and her continuous achievements in empowering people and advancing communities, embodying the values of giving.
During the award ceremony, President Erdoğan congratulated H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak on receiving the Order of the Republic, commending her for her outstanding humanitarian contributions and her extensive journey in supporting women, childhood, and humanitarian work.
President Erdoğan expressed his great pleasure at Sheikha Fatima's official visit to Türkiye, emphasising the deep fraternal ties and strong friendship established by the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and noting that these relations continue to grow and prosper in various fields.
He also praised Sheikha Fatima’s pivotal role in enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries through the activities and initiatives led by the organisations she chairs.
The Turkish president highly valued Sheikha Fatima’s notable efforts and contributions in vital fields such as family, motherhood, childhood, women, education, and health, stating that these initiatives have left a clear mark on the social and cultural development of the UAE and gained wide recognition at both local and international levels.
President Erdoğan highlighted the significant humanitarian role played by the Sheikh Zayed Children’s Complex in Istanbul since the 1990s, noting its great success in meeting the needs of vulnerable children. He stressed that such ongoing initiatives continue to strengthen the emotional bonds between the Turkish and Emirati peoples.
Expressing his delight in presenting the "Order of the Republic of Türkiye" to H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, President Erdoğan recognised her exceptional contributions to developing and strengthening the ties of friendship and cooperation between Türkiye and the UAE.
In response, H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak extended her sincere gratitude and appreciation to President Erdoğan for this distinguished honour, affirming that the award reflects the depth of relations between the two countries, which are founded on mutual respect and cooperation across various fields.
She noted that relations between the two countries are witnessing rapid growth, guided by the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Türkiye, emphasising that the sincere will of the wise leadership of both countries to build bridges of cooperation and understanding continues to advance, benefiting the peoples of both nations and contributing to stability and development in the region.
H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak stated, "I extend my heartfelt thanks to President Erdoğan for this prestigious honour, which I consider an award for every woman contributing to building her nation, enhancing its standing, and engaging in humanitarian and social work, with the aim of promoting values of giving and solidarity, and building a more prosperous and stable future for future generations in their communities and around the world."
The award ceremony was attended by the delegation accompanying H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak.
The Order of the Republic of Türkiye is among the highest honours in the country, holding significant diplomatic weight, and has so far been awarded to only nine prominent figures worldwide.
