ABU DHABI // The President, Sheikh Khalifa, has congratulated his people on the 39th anniversary of the Unification of the Armed Forces.
Sheikh Khalifa said the country had the insight of its founding father, Sheikh Zayed, to thank for its security and stability.
He told the Ministry of Interior’s magazine National Shield that the decision to unify the Armed Forces was a wise, visionary step taken by the Rulers of the seven emirates, and a strategic vision of future challenges.
“The security, stability and peace we enjoy today, as well as the unity of our land and people and Armed Forces, are the result of their insight,” he said.
“We would like to point out here that our efforts to establish sustainable self-reliance in defence is directed only against those who think of threatening our existence, for we are advocates of peace and justice, and we support the rule of law and legitimacy everywhere.”
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United Emirates, United Gulf
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The President extended his greetings to the people of the UAE and thanked them for past and future efforts to preserve the union and its achievements.
He said the region had experienced complicated situations that posed unprecedented challenges, but the UAE was able to face them.
“We contributed to counter-terrorism in more than one place, and we have been an important part of the Arab alliance to restore legitimacy in Yemen, and will always be keen on its stability,” Sheikh Khalifa said.
“In this context, we applaud the heroism and courage of our Armed Forces in the optimal performance in their missions. These challenges require us to keep complete vigil and to boost cohesion between the command, people, Armed Forces and all security bodies, in order to handle any dangers that may threaten our domestic peace, great achievements and our successful development process.
“This can only be realised through a united stand, dissemination of national awareness, values of loyalty and belonging, development of civil and military human resources, and precaution in dealing with disruptive issues.”
Sheikh Khalifa also promised to strengthen the capabilities of the Armed Forces by maintaining standards and enhancing the performance of commanders, officers and soldiers.
“We will try to achieve self-sufficiency in ammunition, arms, experts and trainers through the promotion of our defence industries sector. And with the help of God, we will achieve what we aspire to,” he said.
The President congratulated the Rulers of all the emirates, and complimented them on their efforts and calls to duty.
“We are quite confident that you will continue to perform your honourable roles to protect your present and future and provide security, peace and a decent life for future generations,” Sheikh Khalifa said.
aalkhoori@thenational.ae
