Abu Dhabi Crown Prince: UAE has a responsibility to preserve peace

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed congratulated the Emirati people on the 39th anniversary of the Unification of the Armed Forces.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, talks with national service conscripts at Manama Military Camp. Courtesy UAE Armed Forces

ABU DHABI // The UAE has a great responsibility to preserve peace in the region, says Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, on the anniversary of the Armed Forces’ formation.

Sheikh Mohammed, also Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, congratulated the Emirati people and said the UAE and its military had a role to play in combating the severe circumstances affecting the Arab world.

“By playing this role, the UAE does not seek to promote its political position, but rather aspires to contribute to restoring balance in the region by restoring stability and security,” he said.

“Violence, chaos and destruction come at extremely high costs for the peoples of the region, and at the expense of their growth and development.

“We must support the stability of our region, maintain its security and bring it back to its prosperous self.”

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United Emirates, United Gulf

Sheikh Khalifa: "The security, stability and peace we enjoy today ... are the result of their insight."

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid: "Our individual strength is the key to security, peace, and stability of our nation."

The public: "We are lucky and blessed to be enjoying such stability and security unlike the many broken segments of this region."

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Sheikh Mohammed said the UAE would continue to aid efforts to restore peace.

“By providing support and helping to keep other Arab countries safe and secure, we see it as a translation of Sheikh Khalifa’s path and we will not cut back on any support that will ease the spread of peace in the Arab world,” he said.

“Our Armed Forces are now taking part in Operation Restoring Faith in Yemen after effectively combating Houthis in Operation Decisive Storm, and our international effort to fight ISIL is still ongoing.

“We feel proud of our forces that participated in the operations, and they have achieved the strategic goals and will always remain a preventive shield to the threats and a protector against conspiracies.”

Sheikh Mohammed also pointed out that this year’s 39th anniversary goes hand in hand with the first anniversary of National Service, which had received a positive response.

“Men and women have responded to their national duty, having faith in the responsibility that lies ahead and the practical experience they will achieve, and in the spirit of belonging to this great land,” he said.

“The service will give our forces abilities that are vital, and the young men and women will be ready to give in their efforts in order to protect this nation and maintain its developmental goals.”

Sheikh Ahmed bin Tahnoon, chairman of the National and Reserve Service Authority, said national service was the true meaning of loyalty and sacrifice in the defence of the homeland.

“Security is one of the most important strategic priorities of the state, and government efforts are clear in the support of the Armed Forces through the physical possibilities with new technologies.

“The acquisition of advanced defence systems provided to soldiers, benefiting them with global knowledge and military experience and developing the human element, enables them and their training to ensure the highest degree of readiness and efficiency in combat.”