Leaders praise Armed Forces’ steadfast services to nation

Abu Dhabi: The UAE leaders have paid rich tributes to the Armed Forces on the occasion of the 42nd anniversary of the Army Unification Day, praising their sacrifices and reiterating their vital role in a turbulent and dangerous regional and international environment.

President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan said that May 6, 1976, is an important milestone in the UAE’s journey, and a qualitative leap that embodies the deep strategic vision of the country’s founding fathers, which enabled them to realise the importance of a unified national army in building and consolidating the state.

“A unified and highly qualified army is a source of reassurance, and a fundamental component in building the state and deepening the values of belonging to the homeland and loyalty to the leadership,” said Shaikh Khalifa.

Speaking to the military journal, ‘Nation Shield’, on the occasion of the 42nd anniversary of the Unification of the UAE Armed Forces, Shaikh Khalifa stated that the UAE Armed Forces have demonstrated a great ability to absorb new technologies and systems, enabling them to achieve a high level of efficiency, readiness and preparedness.

The President highlighted the importance of the development of the country’s armed forces to be well organised and highly trained, receiving comprehensive care and attention from the country’s leadership, adding that this is a constant commitment that represents the national priority.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said the UAE’s Armed Forces are an example to be emulated when it comes to their efficiency and use of advanced weaponry, for the way they guard the sanctity of the country’s borders — preserving its achievements and gains — and for taking the initiative to support brotherly countries if need be.

“Our Armed Forces have enabled our homeland to reach greater heights, and our soldiers have demonstrated the true character of Emirati sons. They have added powerful strength to our nation and deepened the level of loyalty and belonging to the homeland.”

Speaking to the military journal, Shaikh Mohammad stated that the UAE Armed Forces’ officers have participated in thwarting an evil scenario to change the Arab identity of Yemen, and enabled the legitimate government there to rebuild its institutions and army and to ensure its control over most of Yemen, therefore foiling all attempts made to threaten international shipping in Bab Al Mandab Strait and the Red Sea.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, stressed that the UAE Armed Forces have played a vital role in a turbulent and dangerous regional and international environment in which it was surrounded by threats.

Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed added that the UAE’s Armed Forces have earned respect and appreciation across the world because they represent the UAE policy that is not only based on the call for peace, coexistence and dialogue between states, but also on commitment to working for world peace and security and actively engage in every effort aimed at confronting sources of risk, tension and threat on the international scene.

Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed added that the heroic role of the UAE’s Armed Forces which they have been performing in Yemen since the launch of the operation to restore legitimacy there, led by Saudi Arabia, highlights how values of heroism, dedication and sacrifice are deeply embedded in them and the high scale of progress, efficiency and professionalism they have reached.

“This reflects the authentic values of the UAE and its loyal people in standing with just causes, defending security of the region and enhancing its pillars, as well as in supporting fellow Arab peoples facing crises,” he further said.

“The historic decision taken on May 6, 1976, to unify the UAE Armed Forces has placed our military among the world’s most powerful armies and enabled them to contribute effectively to achieving security and stability in the region.” His Highness Shaikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, said on the occasion.

“Our armed forces have set examples of true sacrifice and giving by providing relief and emergency humanitarian assistance to the victims of wars and disasters, ensuring the delivery of aid to the needy and shelters to refugees and displaced, while treating the wounded, and rebuilding war-stricken areas,” he said.

His Highness Shaikh Hamad Bin Mohammad Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, stressed that the sacrifices of Emirati servicemen and people will continue “whenever there is a call for national duty to prove our solid Union to the world”.

Shaikh Hamad added that the country’s UAE Armed Forces will always stand ready to preserve and protect the nation’s gains and assets and to confront risks facing the region.

His Highness Shaikh Saud Bin Rashid Al Mu’alla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, paid tribute to the UAE Armed Forces, saying Emirati citizens have scored victories and engaged in battles of dignity, honour and glory in ‘Operation Decisive Storm’ in Yemen.

Shaikh Saud added that Emiratis have contributed to enhancing security, peace and stability along with the humanitarian missions of the Armed Forces in different parts of the world. “This confirms that the founding principles of the state and its prudent leadership strongly advocate internationalism so as to support the right and assist others in time of peace and time of war as well as during natural disasters,” he further said.

His Highness Shaikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, reaffirmed that the UAE Armed Forces’ Unification Day constitutes a precious and grand memory, graciously cherished by all Emiratis, thanks to the essential role played by the Armed Forces in supporting the country’s advancement. Shaikh Saud added that the country’s Armed Forces are the incubators of bravery, heroism and sacrifices.

Lt-General Hamad Mohammad Thani Al Rumaithi, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, said that the unification day represents the true beginning of transforming the nation’s military capabilities.

Al Rumaithi added, “The UAE Armed Forces have proven their military capabilities and professionalism across many missions — from assisting regional and global partners in maintaining international peace to providing help to regions affected by natural disasters and conflict across the world.”