WAM TUNIS, June 26th, 2009: Tunisian President Zine el Abidine Ben Ali on Friday awarded H.H Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairperson of the General women's Union and President of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) the Grand Cordon of the Order of November 7 in recognition of her generous and continuous efforts to promote the status of UAE women as well as to further boost the march of Arab women.

The text of the letter attached to the Grand Crodon reads as follows: "On Behalf of the people: In high appreciation of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, And in recognition of her fruitful efforts and pioneering initiatives to further promote the status of women in the United Arab Emirates as well as her resounding success in taking charge of the associations aimed at promoting the status of women, children and families, promoting the spirit of solidarity, charitable work on the widest scale, And noting her prominent role in founding the Arab Women Organization, supporting its principles and enriching its gains during her presidency of this young organization, President Zine el Abidine Ben Ali decided to confer the Grand Cordon of the Order of November 7 on the virtuous Her Highness Sheikh Fatima Bint Mubarak." Tunisia's Order of November 7 is awarded to world-renowned dignitaries and personalities in recognition of their generous humane and benevolent giving.

Commenting on the occasion in a statement to WAM, UAE Ambassador to Tunisia Abdullah Ibrahim Al-Suwaidi expressed pride honoring Sheikha Fatima, Mother of the Nation.

"The honor is a token of mutual amiability between the UAE and Tunisia. It is an honor to all UAE women and their sons and daughters whom Sheikha Fatima continues to give full care and attention." WAM/MMYS