ABU DHABI: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has expressed his thanks and appreciation to the soldiers and personnel of the UAE Armed Forces on the occasion of the 41st anniversary of the Armed Forces Unification Day, saying that the armed forces have become a key player in the UAE’s overall development, strengthening the nation’s unity and identity.
Shaikh Mohammed said, “On this anniversary, I extend my appreciation and gratitude to our forefathers and all that they have given to our country and nation, the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his brothers, members of the Federal Supreme Council.
“I stand with you in honouring our righteous martyrs, and reiterate our commitment to ensuring the welfare of their families and provide comprehensive and lasting care for their children.
“On this day, forty-one years ago, with the building of our armed forces, our federal state opened the widest possible horizons to consolidate its forces, strengthen its institutions and empower its citizens. This journey was not only a process of organisation, arming, training and rehabilitation, but also a strategic outlook so as to build the main axis to our nation’s strength.
“In the midst of this strategic process, our armed forces have become a key player in the overall development and a symbol of national fusion that strengthens the unity of our home, deepens the contents of our UAE national identity, and strengthens our society as a whole.
“Under the patronage of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and the efforts of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, a vibrant reality for our nation continues to grow, develop and compete in world markets.
“And today, after years of challenges posed by projects and conspiracies to destabilise the countries of the Arab region, and the spread of chaos and violence within it, as Emiratis we continue to confront these challenges as part of our duties and responsibilities, ensuring our success in promoting development and prosperity.”
Addressing officers and soldiers, Shaikh Mohammed said, “We are a nation that seeks the principles of peaceful coexistence, love, tolerance, and peace. But we live in a world governed by interests whose big states scramble and compete for wealth and influence, rushing to seize and even create opportunities to maximise these interests. The current scene in and around our Arab region is witness to this stampede, competition and opportunity.
“And you, the sons and daughters of the UAE, were at the core of our nation’s strategies to strengthen our forces, you are the means and you are the goal. You continue to have our leadership’s trust and qualify for its ambitions. We have made our small homeland and its population cohesive, safe and strong through your continued support of the leadership’s vision and policies.
“You represent the spirit of our nation, the spirit of giving, belonging, loyalty and sacrifice.
“I thank each and every one of you, wherever you are, in your camps, on land, sea, or air, and in the battlefield. I ask the Almighty Allah to include you in his care, and perpetuate your success as soldiers on your missions.
I extend thanks, with you, on the day of our armed forces, to the leader of our mission, Shaikh Khalifa, and to Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed.
I also extend my greetings to my brothers, the Members of the Federal Supreme Council, the Rulers of the Emirates, may God protect them, and to all our honourable peoples.”
