The UAE Armed Forces mark its 42nd anniversary.- Wam file photo
Abu Dhabi - Sheikh Khalifa stated that the UAE Armed Forces have demonstrated a great ability to absorb new technologies and systems.
Published: Sat 5 May 2018, 10:00 PM
Updated: Sun 6 May 2018, 3:03 PM
The heart of every Emirati is with the brave soldiers of the UAE Armed Forces as they fight the "dark forces of terrorism and extremism" in Yemen, the country's leaders have said. The leaders have paid tribute to the heroic actions of the soldiers as the military celebrates 42 years since unification.
Leading the tribute, the President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, said: "You have contributed strongly to the preservation of peace, security and stability of the homeland."
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said Emirati soldiers have participated in thwarting "an evil scenario to change the Arab identity of Yemen. We look forward to the day on which the legitimate forces of Yemen ensure their full control over the country."
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, said: "I assure you that the Emirati people, in their entirety, are filled with pride because of your unparalleled courage in Yemen."
We salute you: Sheikh Khalifa
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, said the President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on the occasion of 42nd anniversary of the Unification of the UAE Armed Forces,
Speaking to the military journal, 'Nation Shield', Sheikh 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.
"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."
Sheikh Khalifa highlighted the importance of the development of the country's armed forces to be well organised, highly trained and receiving comprehensive care and attention from the country's leadership, adding that this is a constant commitment that represents the national priority.
Excerpts of the President's statement:
"My sons, commanders, officers, non-commissioned officers and soldiers of our valiant armed forces,
As our country celebrates the 42nd anniversary of the Unification of the UAE Armed Forces, we salute and express our great and sincere pride and appreciation for the efforts and the sacrifices you have made, including in elevating the capabilities of our armed forces, defending the homeland and safeguarding the achievements of its people, which, as a result, has become an oasis of security and stability, a model of development and prosperity.
May 6th, 1976, is an important milestone in our journey, and a qualitative leap that embodies the deep strategic vision of our fathers, and was when they realised the importance of a unified national army in building and consolidating the state as a single and highly-qualified army.
A unified 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.
Following the footsteps of our founding fathers, we continue to support the development of our armed forces, through ensuring its well organised, supplying modern armament, and providing high training and comprehensive care, which is a constant commitment that represents one of our top national priorities. Our 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.
My sons and daughters, We are proud of you. You have contributed strongly to the preservation of peace, security and stability of the homeland, and you have sacrificed your lives in preserving regional and international peace, and you contributed effectively in joint military exercises with a number of sisterly and friendly countries.
On this anniversary, which coincides with our country's celebration of the 'Year of Zayed', we pray to Allah Almighty to have mercy on the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and on his brothers, the co-founders of the Union, who laid the solid foundations of this strong national army. We also pray to Almighty Allah to have mercy on the martyrs' souls and to grant them eternal peace in heaven, and to bless their families with comfort and solace."
What Sheikh Zayed wanted and dreamt of came true, says VP
"Our Armed Forces have enabled our homeland to reach greater heights, and our soldiers have demonstrated the true character of Emirati sons," said His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai,
On the occasion of 42nd anniversary of the Unification of the UAE Armed Forces, Sheikh Mohammed said that 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 and for taking the initiative to support brotherly countries when need be.
"They have added powerful strength to our nation and deepened the level of loyalty and belonging to the homeland."
Speaking to the military journal, 'Nation Shield', on the occasion, Sheikh Mohammed stated that the UAE Armed Forces' officers have participated in thwarting an evil scenario to change the Arab identity of Yemen.
Excerpts from his statement:
"I wish to see all the sons and daughters of the UAE as they celebrate this auspicious occasion, to contemplate the march of our Armed Forces and draw lessons from the glories achieved by our brave soldiers and take pride in their success.
I remember vividly that following the unification, Sheikh Zayed assigned us a plan of action with four components: Building a force with a strong conviction in defending our homeland and in supporting the just causes of our nation, adopting best-in-class military systems and practices in the world, ensuring the Emiratisation of military cadres from top to bottom ranks; and finally establishing defence industries.
Thanks to Allah, these goals have been achieved under the direct supervision of the Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, my brother His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, and with the determination and follow-up of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
Today, reality speaks for itself. What Sheikh Zayed wanted and dreamt of came true. Our armed forces are a model to be copied for efficiency and advanced weaponry, guarding the sanctity of our country's borders and preserving its achievements and gains.
I take the opportunity of this patriotic occasion, which is dear to the hearts of every citizen in our homeland, to pay tribute to our brothers and sons participating in the Arab Coalition Forces Restoring Hope to brotherly Yemen, who are fighting the dark forces of terrorism and extremism."
'Remember those who made history with their own blood'
On the occasion of 42nd anniversary of Unification of the UAE Armed Forces, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, said that UAE Armed Forces have played a vital role in a turbulent and dangerous regional and international environment in which it was surrounded by threats.
Sheikh Mohamed 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.
Speaking to the military journal, 'Nation Shield', on the occasion, Sheikh Mohamed said that the heroic role of the UAE's Armed Forces in Yemen, highlights how values of heroism, dedication and sacrifice were deeply imbedded in them and the level of professionalism they have reached.
Excerpts from his statement:
"On this dear national occasion, I would like to extend my congratulations to the President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as well as His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the Rulers of the emirates. My congratulations also go to the people of the UAE...On this great national occasion, we remember our beloved martyrs who have sacrificed their lives for the sake of their nation. We remember those who made history with their own blood as they gave up their own precious lives in defence of their nation against aggression and the forces of darkness. Indeed, they made the ultimate sacrifice and thus, their names and memory will always be engraved in our hearts and minds.
We, in the UAE, do not forget the sacrifices made for the sake of our nation and we have honoured their memory: their names glitter like shining stars in the skies of our homeland. The heroic action of our Armed Forces in Yemen, as part of our operation under the leadership of Saudi Arabia to restore legitimacy in the country, leaves no room for doubt that our soldiers are willing to sacrifice and risk their lives in order to defend the legitimacy of this friendly nation.
Since its unification on May 6, 1976, our Armed Forces have witnessed tremendous developments at all levels. Make no mistake, we are extremely keen on improving the capabilities of our Armed Forces to ensure that they are equipped with the best systems in order to protect our homeland, our people and our achievements.
Examples of true sacrifice
His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, on the occasion of the 42nd anniversary of the Unification of the UAE Armed Forces, said: "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."
"As we observe this precious memory, we extend our appreciation and gratitude to all the members of the Armed Forces, including commanders, officers, rankers and soldiers who have contributed to the establishment of the foundation stone of this great nation.
"It is no secret that our armed forces have become among the strongest armies of this age thanks to sophisticated abilities they have."
Celebration of achievements
On the occasion of the 42nd Armed Forces Unification Day, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, said 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."
The Ruler of Fujairah said: "On this glorious occasion, we solemnly remember the nation's martyrs who answered the call of land and humanity to support the legitimacy in Yemen under 'Operation Restoring Hope' and to stand with the truth. While doing that, they won the honour of sacrifice and wrote through their heroism the finest values of nobility, loyalty and patriotism. We pledge them to value their sacrifices and the responsibility they left to us. The observance of this anniversary is a celebration of gains of the Union whose pillars were supported by our Armed Forces."
It's a source of pride and glory
Speaking on the occasion of the 42nd anniversary of the Unification of the UAE Armed Forces, His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu'alla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Qaiwain, said: "It is a source of pride and glory that we mark the 42nd anniversary of the decision taken by the founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who was backed by his fellow founding fathers, to unify the Armed Forces and lay the foundation of this young state.
The Emirati citizen has gained rich experiences in work and leadership skills as well as consolidating his combat doctrine along the humanitarian role of the Armed Forces. They engaged in battles of dignity, honour and glory in 'Operation Decisive Storm' in Yemen, made victories as our martyrs set proud example in sacrifice and courage. Families of have also shown high sense of patriotism which we all proud of.
Incubators of bravery, heroism
Speaking to the military journal, 'Nation Shield', on the occasion of the 42nd anniversary of the Unification of the UAE Armed Forces, His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, said that the country's Armed Forces are the incubators of bravery, heroism and sacrifices.
Excerpts of the RAK Ruler's statement: "Today our armed forces are proving -- while standing steadfast in the face of the enemies of the homeland - to be capable of ensuring stability and peace. The heroes of the UAE set glorious examples of sacrifice and fought the most difficult battles to restore legitimacy in Yemen and protect the interests of this sisterly nation.
"We recall with great pride the sacrifices of the martyrs of the Armed Forces who graciously sacrificed their lives so that the UAE flag continue to fly high in all platforms."
Unification Day a true beginning
Marking the 42nd UAE Armed Forces Unification Day, Lt. General Hamad Mohammed Thani Al Rumaithi, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, said that the unification of the Armed Forces represents the true beginning of transforming the nation's military capabilities. On the occasion, he said: "The decision to unify the armed forces was the true beginning of the development and modernisation process witnessed by the UAE Armed Forces. At present, our armed forces represent an exemplary force trained in accordance with the latest military regimens with access to modern armaments systems, to ensure the safety, security, and stability of the nation and its citizens and residents alike.
"These achievements across the years would have not been achieved without the support of the UAE leadership, who continue to inspire and motivate our military cadres to push forward and grow towards new potential."
reporters@khaleejtimes.com
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