UAE | Government

UAE army has achieved a marvelous record, says Shaikh Mohammad

His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said he was extremely satisfied with the level reached by the Armed Forces in terms of weaponry, planning, training, efficiency and discipline.

  • WAM
  • Published: 14:02 May 5, 2008
  • Gulf News

Abu Dhabi: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said he was extremely satisfied with the level reached by the Armed Forces in terms of weaponry, planning, training, efficiency and discipline.

Shaikh Mohammad expressed confidence that the UAE national army has achieved a marvelous record during the past 32 years.

"We were racing against time in terms of military and civil building," he said, stressing that "it is with God's help, our wise leadership and far sightedness that we won this race, achieved major accomplishments and built a modern army capable of accomplishing tasks best and to the satisfaction of the instructions of the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and President of the UAE."

Shaikh Mohammed made the remarks in a speech to Dira' Al Watan (Shield of the Nation) magazine on the occasion of 32nd anniversary of the Unification of the Armed Forces.

Full text of Shaikh Mohammad's speech:

"Commanders, officers, NCOs and soldiers of the Armed Forces, May Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon you. This is to congratulate you on the 32nd anniversary of the unification of our Armed Forces and formation of UAE Army. I seize this opportunity to extend highest appreciation and congratulations to my brother President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Their Highnesses Rulers of the Emirates and Members of the Supreme Council, and my brother General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

"I also congratulate our faithful people who provide our courageous army with men and women who are fully dedicated to their leadership and are readily prepared to give and sacrifice anything for this homeland, its security and stability.

"Officers and soldiers, I am extremely satisfied with the level reached by the Armed Forces in terms of weaponry, planning, training, efficiency and discipline.

"It is no doubt that our national army has achieved a marvelous record during the past 32 years. And when we reminisce our march for development we realise that we were racing against time in terms of military and civil building. It is with God's help, our wise leadership and far sightedness that we won this race, achieved major accomplishments and built a modern army capable of accomplishing tasks best and to the satisfaction of the instructions of the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and President of the UAE.

"Our success story of building the Armed Forces tells the story of our homeland - small in size and population but big in its aspirations, will and determination to engrave a prominent place among the most advanced and developed countries.

"In the heart of this story stands an inspiring leadership setting the dignity of this homeland and prosperity of its people as a prime target, utilising all available resources and exerting maximum effort to achieve its goals. Also in the heart are the sons of this country - loyal to their leadership and guided by its vision to accomplish set roles and objectives. You, officers and soldiers, are a shining example for these sons. You spared no effort to learn, and were a success in utilising the most advanced weapons and up-to-date technology used in equipment and weapon systems. You accomplished your responsibilities and assignments with all courage, dedication and discipline.

"Brothers and sons, our mission in this life is: reconstruction, building and good work whereby God is satisfied and public needs are met.

"If it is our right to be happy with our accomplishments and take pride on UAE standing at regional and international levels, it is our duty to recall the lessons of the past. Development would have been impossible without our leaders, wise management of massive development plans.

"So, efforts should be multiplied, capabilities developed and knowledge boosted. National activity does not allow any relaxation and development and progress do not have any room for the lazy or the hesitant.

"There will always be projects to carry out, news ideas to apply, lessons to learn, distance to cover and challenges to meet.

"In a region ravished by turmoil and disorders as the Middle East, and in world experiencing historic, unprecedented changes and surprises, we are required to always give our best.

"We should also be highly vigilant, prepare for the worst and be ready to deal with any development. Here your role as officers and soldiers is of paramount importance. You are the shield against adventurers and the greedy. So, be ready, get more knowledge and training, and get in touch with all that is new in weaponry, technology and military science. Keep your morale high and lay the foundation for our beloved country.

"The day our national army was formed will continue to be a sparking landmark in our glorious history.

"May Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon you."

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