General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has said that May 6 is a shining landmark in the history of our armed forces as it takes a special place in our national march, which is filled with countless gains and achievements on the internal and external levels.
In a message given to the Nation Shield (Dira Al Watan) magazine on the occasion of the 36th anniversary of the unification of the UAE Armed Forces, General Shaikh Mohammed said that the unification of our armed forces under one central command and one flag and logo was done with the goal to make it a strong shield that protects homeland’s security, sovereignty, stability and territorial integrity.
The modernisation of the UAE Armed Forces was the result of continued efforts and the great support of His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE and Supreme Commander of the armed forces.
“His efforts, as part of his ongoing quest to achieve comprehensive development in the sectors of the state and all its institutions, provided all the required capabilities for the development of our armed forces, boosting its readiness to protect the security of the motherland and the people, said Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed.
All our achievements were in danger if we didn’t protect them and defend them against oddities. At the same time, the unification of the armed forces was also the means to further strengthening and consolidating the Union and guaranteeing its security and stability, he added. This is also an important occasion to renew our resolve to continue to modernise and develop the armed forces and provide it with the best competent national cadre and the latest types of weapons and equipment, enhancing its continuous and outstanding preparedness to ensure the security of the Arabian Gulf and our Arab surroundings, as well as to actively contribute to the service of international peace and stability under the umbrella of the United Nations, said General Shaikh Mohammed. In this context, we renew our covenant of our wise leadership that the armed forces will remain a fortress in the face of dangers and threats, he said.
He offered greetings to Their Highnesses the President, Shaikha Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of various emirates in this auspices occasion. —