UAE foreign policy rejects violence and extends bridges of cooperation, says Khalifa

Abu Dhabi: The foreign policy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been based on solid principles, namely rejection of violence and aggression, extending bridges of cooperation with all peace-loving nations, non-interference with the international affairs of other countries, encouraging dialogue as means of solving inter-state disputes, supporting just causes under the umbrella of legitimacy and international law and extending a hand to brothers and friends, said President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Shaikh Khalifa praised the commanders, officers, NCOs and Soldiers of the UAE Armed Forces for their allegiance, dedication and sacrifice, which, he said, enabled "this homeland to stay big, secured, strong and prosperous, and fare into future with steady, confident steps strengthening a victorious civilized march founded by our ancestors who wisely appreciated the unified armies' paramount role in defending the homeland, bringing prosperity to the people and building the nation.''

Shaikh Khalifa made his remarks in a speech carried by the Dira' Al Watan (Shield of the Nation) magazine, on the occasion of 32nd anniversary of the Unification of the UAE Armed Forces.

Full text of the speech:

"Commanders, officers, NCO's and soldiers of the Armed Forces, May Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon you. It is on 6 May 2008 we celebrate the 32nd anniversary of the unification of our Armed Forces; I extend my highest regards, appreciation and congratulations to you. Their Highnesses Rulers of the Emirates, Members of the Supreme Council, and I have limitless confidence in our Armed Forces. You are the shield for the homeland, and thanks to your allegiance, dedication and sacrifice that this homeland will stay big, secured, strong and prosperous, and fare into future with steady, confident steps strengthening a victorious civilized march founded by our ancestors who wisely appreciated the unified armies' paramount role in defending the homeland, bringing prosperity to the people and building the nation.

"It is a day to recall hard written past, evaluate the present accomplishments and look forward to the challenges of the future.

"Faithful soldiers of the Armed Forces, our foreign policy since the establishment of the United Arab Emirates has been based on solid principles, namely rejection of violence and aggression, extending bridges of cooperation with all peace-loving nations, non-interference with the international affairs of other countries, encouraging dialogue as means of solving inter-state disputes, supporting just causes under the umbrella of legitimacy and international law, and extending a hand to brothers and friends. The Armed Forces' doctrine revolved around these principles. In addition to their role in fighting back any aggression on national security, our Armed Forces have professionally and well-deservedly become an important arm by which the UAE can apply its humanitarian principles by effective participation in maintaining world peace and security, helping disaster-hit and war-torn regions, thus setting a great example, which boosted UAE's good reputation and strengthened its relationship with world community.

"Our concern for developing and upgrading our armed forces and having them equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry and latest defence systems does not, in any way, go counter to our deep-rooted peaceful principles. Rather, it is determination to defend our homeland, protect national accomplishments and maintain security. Development without Armed Forces is a fragile one. It is a fully integrated structure, not only with political, economic, social and human mechanisms, but also with a defensive mechanism, which is topped by the Armed Forces. To support this tendency endeavors were made to equip the Armed Forces with the latest weapons and best systems from various sources and under mutual agreement to transfer military technology and contribute to the development and rehabilitation of national cadres. In addition, we were a success in building cooperation-oriented relations with brotherly and friendly countries in the field of training, exchange of technical know-how and grooming UAE experiment.

Officers and soldiers, our Armed Forces are a living embodiment of the Federation, a symbol for national unity, a bulwark for brotherly countries, and support for the nation. Joining the forces is an honour, a duty and a right for all citizens.

It is needless to reiterate that our homeland, people and national achievements are your responsibility, which entails closing ranks, increasing level of preparedness. No effort will be spared to render you able to continue your training plans, to maintain and develop the present standard, to extend total care to you and your families, to pensioners and to the dependants and families of the martyrs and the dead.

May God help us serve our people, our homeland and our nation best.

May Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon you."