Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed attended a ceremony for graduates of this year’s National Defence Course on Sunday. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs told graduates of the eighth batch that the college receives significant support from the country’s leadership. He said the Armed Forces “represent a source of pride and appreciation for every Emirati citizen”. In addition to supporting the country’s development and economic success, the military plays an important role in all stages of the nation’s development, he said, according to a statement released on Wam. Sheikh Mansour congratulated the graduates and urged them to use their knowledge and skills to strengthen the Armed Forces, police and state institutions while serving their country. He also wished them success in their professional careers at the ceremony, which was held at Qasr Al Watan. Maj Gen Staff Aqab Shahin Al Ali, commandant of the National Defence College, said the college was proud to have trained a new batch of promising leaders who have acquired distinguished academic knowledge and skills. Sheikh Mansour presented certificates to the graduates at the end of the ceremony. The event was attended by Mohammed Al Bawardi, Minister of State for Defence Affairs; Ali Al Ketbi, chairman of the Government Support Department, and Matar Al Dhaheri, undersecretary of the Ministry of Defence, among others.