ABU DHABI // Leaders of the UAE expressed their pride at the UAE Armed Forces for their work on the occasion of the 41st celebration of the Armed Forces Unification Day.
The President, Sheikh Khalifa, said he was proud of the achievements of the Armed Forces and their efforts in protecting the country and its people, as today marks the anniversary of the unification.
“It is a day on which we pay rich tribute to the martyrs of the homeland who have sacrificed their lives for the sake of truth, and to safeguard our Gulf and Arab security,” Sheikh Khalifa said. “We stand by their families and take full care of their children. It is a day on which we extend our thanks to our loyal people who rally behind their leadership, and line up alongside our soldiers to encourage and motivate them.”
He said the leaders would continue to develop the capabilities of the Armed Forces, “enabling them to continue to discharge their national defence duties and their universal humanitarian missions to safeguard international peace and security”.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said with the building of the Armed Forces, the UAE opened the widest possible horizons to consolidate its forces, strengthen its institutions and empower its citizens. “As the crisis in Yemen has entered its third year, the Arab coalition is confident of its ability to achieve its overall objectives,” he said. “Having accomplished strategic targets to thwart coup plans, the coalition has enabled legitimacy to return to Yemen, extending control over most of its territory, and aiding the country to rebuild in liberated areas.”
He said the coalition countries would continue their mission until the Yemeni people could decide their own future away from the terror, threats and intimidation of coup militants.
For Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, the Armed Forces defend the country, safeguard the security of the Gulf, and combat the “evil forces” of terrorism and extremism.
“I salute our forces in Yemen, where they stand on the right side of history and sacrifice their lives to defend our brothers and sisters in Yemen, and to safeguard the country’s deep-rooted Arab identity and heritage,” he said. “In doing so, they are cherishing the values of the UAE and the vision of our late father, Sheikh Zayed, the founder of the UAE.”
He said that by responding to the call of duty in Yemen, the UAE’s soldiers were making history with their sweat and blood.
Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid, Ruler of Ajman, expressed his pride in the Armed Forces as one of the strongest and most modern armies, equipped with the latest military technologies.
Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed, Fujairah’s Ruler, said: “We hail with pride the noble achievements made by our Armed Forces during their sacred missions to protect the security, stability and peace of our homeland, and their selfless contributions made to supporting Arab causes, and in protection of the Arab national security.”
Sheikh Saud bin Rashid, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, stressed the army’s humanitarian role in providing assistance to countries affected by wars and natural disasters. “They have played a major role in enhancing security and stability of the countries of the region,” he said.
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, said the army was a force that created stability and peace. “Our armed forces have gained appreciation, respect, and admiration, due to their high morals, competence and ability to work in diverse circumstances and environments.”
Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, said the unification of the Armed Forces was “the shield for the society to feel the importance of unity and strength within the values of tolerance, peace and diligence.”
Mohammed Al Bowardi, Minister of State for Defence Affairs described the country’s soldiers as the main pillars for developing the military institutions. “Today, we are harvesting its fruits, as we have highly equipped and efficient armed forces.”
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