Abu Dhabi: President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has stressed that the decision to unify the UAE’s Armed Forces 39 years ago was a wise, visionary step taken by the founding fathers of the state, thanks to their strategic perspectives and insights regarding the challenges of the future.
“We would like to point out here that our efforts to establish sustainable self-reliance in defence is directed only against those who think of threatening our existence, for we are advocates of peace and justice, and we support the rule of law and legitimacy everywhere,” said Shaikh Khalifa in a statement issued in the Nation Shield journal on the 39th anniversary of the unification of the Armed Forces.
“The complicated regional and international conditions pose unprecedented challenges. However, with God’s favour and help, we were able to face these challenges. We contributed to counter-terrorism in more than one place, and we have been an important part of the Arab Alliance to restore legitimacy in Yemen, and will always be keen on its stability. In this context, we applaud the heroism and courage of our Armed Forces in the optimal performance in their missions.
“These challenges, dear brothers and sisters, require us to keep a complete vigil and to boost cohesion between the Command, people, Armed Forces and all security bodies, in order to handle any dangers that may threaten our domestic peace, great achievements and our successful development process. Finally, I would like to thank the UAE citizens who hurry, with unparalleled enthusiasm, to join the national service. I would like to hail their dedication in training, their keenness to acquire combat and defence skills and military sciences, and their national and moral commitment to the military values and honour, so as to be prepared to defend their country and community.”
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai reaffirmed, “Our armed forces are strong, they protect the homeland, safeguard its independence and sovereignty, establish security and stability in the land, and carry out their assigned tasks to the best.”
In a statement issued in the Nation Shield, Shaikh Mohammad said: “Our annual meeting is being held today on the anniversary of the unification of our Armed Forces, while we perform, along with our brothers, our legitimate, patriotic, national and human duty through extending help to the sisterly Yemeni people, who were attacked by the forces of oppression and aggression, and face the impending dangers that target the Arab existence and threaten the security and stability of our region and its people.”
“By our participation in the operations Storm of Resolve, Restoring Hope, and the International Alliance to Fight Terrorism, we again reaffirm our constant political principles of supporting the truth and working with our brothers to establish and maintain the security and peace of our region and the Arab world. I am optimistic that the widening areas of joint Arab action will strengthen our hopes and efforts aimed at the establishment of a strong and cohesive Arab structure that makes the collective security system effective and protects Arab communities from any threats to their interests and existence,” said Shaikh Mohammad.
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, stressed that the UAE will spare no effort in helping Arab nations to live in peace and stability and to overcome foreign interference and destructive schemes. In a statement on the occasion of the Armed Forces Unification, Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed said that the UAE doesn’t seek to promote its political position but rather aspires to contribute to restoring balance in the region by restoring stability and security. “As we speak, members of our Armed Forces are taking part in Operation Restoring Hope as part of a coalition formed to preserve the constitutional legitimacy of Yemen. The participation came on the heels of Operation Storm of Resolve where members of our Air Force performed heroically. Our Armed Forces are also effectively participating in the international effort to combat the menace of the so-called Islamic State [Daesh], the barbaric terrorist group that has wreaked havoc in Iraq and Syria. We are filled with pride for the heroic actions of our airmen and airwomen who have carried out these missions. We salute them for defending our nation and safeguarding the peace and development that we have worked so hard to achieve,” said Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed.
“Make no mistake, this participation is a translation of the principles of our foreign policy, which is based on fairness and aims at guaranteeing the security and stability of the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council. These principles are inspired by the charters of the United Nations and the Arab League as well as the rules of international law,” he added.
