(MENAFN- Emirates News Agency (WAM)) President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has stressed that the decision to unify the UAE's Armed Forces thirty-nine years ago was a wise, visionary step taken by the founding fathers of the state, thanks to their strategic perspectives and insights regarding the challenges of the future.
His Highness told the "Nation Shield" journal on the 39th anniversary of the Unification of the Armed Forces that the security, stability and peace the country enjoys today, as well as the unity of our land and people and Armed Forces, are the result of the founding fathers' insight.
Following is the full text of his remarks: My sons and daughters, members of our Armed Forces, Commanders, Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers and other personnel, Al Salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah Wa Barakatu - "Peace Be upon You"
On the 39th anniversary of the Unification of our Armed Forces, I extend my greetings and thanks to you for the efforts you have made, and are still making, to be always fully ready to preserve the numerous achievements of the Union, to protect the security and stability of your community and to defend your dear nation with dedication, sincerity and loyalty.
The decision to unify our Armed Forces thirty-nine years ago was a wise, visionary step, taken by the founding fathers of our state thanks to their strategic perspectives and insights regarding the challenges of the future. 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. To their souls we extend our heartiest greetings and prayers, and promise to adhere to their sound approach by strengthening the capabilities of our Armed Forces in all sections, by providing all requirements to maintain their standards and also to enhance the performance of their 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.
With the help of God, we will achieve what we aspire to. 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.
My sons and daughters, members of the Armed Forces, The complicated regional and international conditions pose unprecedented challenges. However, with God's favour and help, we were able to face these challenges. 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. In this context, we applaud the heroism and courage of our Armed Forces in the optimal performance in their missions.
These challenges, dear brothers and sisters, require us to keep a 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.
Dear brothers and sisters, Finally, I would like to thank the UAE citizens who hurry, with unparalleled enthusiasm, to join the national service. I would like to hail their dedication in training, their keenness to acquire combat and defense skills and military sciences, and their national and moral commitment to the military values and honour, so as to be prepared to defend their country and community.
In conclusion, I congratulate Their Highnesses Members of the Supreme Council, Rulers of the emirates. I would say to every one of them: You have done quite well so far, were up to responsibility and responded to the call of duty. We are quite confident that you will continue to perform your honorable role to protect your present and future and provide security, peace and a decent life for the future generations.
May Allah grant you success, and a happy occasion for all.
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