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‘Armed Forces’ progress is part of UAE’s development’ (Wam) / 6 May 2013 General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has stressed that the development and modernisation plans that the Armed Forces is working on implementing is part of the march of comprehensive development being made by the UAE under the leadership of the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. On the occasion of the celebration of the Anniversary of the Unification of the UAE Armed Forces, General Shaikh Mohammed said that May 6 was a paradigm shift, which will remain a witness to the depth of the strategic vision for our founding fathers as well as proof of our strong will and determination, which is a milestone for nation-building and achievements. General Shaikh Mohamed issued a statement to ‘Dira’a Al Watan’ magazine on the 37 th anniversary of the Unification of the UAE Armed Forces and the following is the full text of the statement: “Today we celebrate the 37 th anniversary of the unification of the UAE Armed Forces which had and will be a symbol of loyalty, belonging and union, as well as a milestone to enhance the national identity and an industry of men and  pride of the nation and citizens. The Unification of our Armed Forces in May, 1976, under one central leadership, one flag, and one slogan was a historical decision so as to became a milestone for the security of our country and its stability and a key support to preserve the progress of development and modernization in our dear country. “The Unification of our Armed Forces is considered as one of the achievements that expressed deeply on the will of unity, the strategic vision, that came from the efforts of the founding leader, our late father Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his brothers who were leaders of the UAE at that time and became a national institution over the years, a unique model, reflecting the meaning of belonging, loyalty and unity, cohesion and strength of the social fabric and components of our national culture and ancient civilisation . “The 6th of May will be a source to benefit from its lessons in our life and to remind our new generation of the efforts of loyal men who offered great sacrifices for the building of our country’s institutions and the Unification of our Armed Forces, which advanced to levels where we are proud of technical progress and training. “When we recollect this day, we may be proud of what has been achieved over the past thirty-seven years and we have also the right to encourage men of our Armed Forces who have made tremendous contributions to the Federal development march through the efforts of this prestigious institution and its honourable national roles and its contributions in supporting security and stability in brotherly countries, besides preserving peace, security and stability and provide support along with humanitarian relief in various regions of the world under the umbrella of the United Nations to be an example through excellence in carrying out these tasks. “Ideals and role models in our Armed Forces are of the noblest respective roles of modern armies, as members of our Armed Forces offer through their duties a bright image and a real model for the youth of the UAE and for such moral and humanitarian causes that has characterised our society. “The development and modernisation plans that the Armed Forces is working on its implementation is a part of the process of comprehensive development being made by the UAE under the leadership of the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. “Our achievements of development need a shield that protects and preserves them in order to achieve the desired goals through modernisation and development plans, both at the level of scientific training of individuals in the forms required by modern military science or the supply of armament systems and combat equipment to keep pace with the latest technology of the world’s defense industries. Thirty-seven years ago, the unification of the Armed Forces occupied the top priority of planning and efforts, bearing in mind that people are our greatest asset and our best investment for the future, and believe that the gains that we have made —and continue to make— were primarily designed to achieve the aspirations of our dear country. “This day is also an occasion to renew the covenant and loyalty to our wise leadership, led by His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, that to remain loyal soldiers, to protect the soil of this country, its sky and waters, and preserve the foundations of our nation united, working hard to keep our Armed Forces as a shield to protect the homeland as well as a symbol of national cohesion and the performance of duty, to carry out its responsibilities and remain supportive of brothers and helpful to friends and realise that belonging to this prestigious national institution remains always an honour, a duty and a right for all citizens. “In conclusion, I am honoured in my name and on behalf of the Armed Forces to congratulate the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and his brother His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and to their brothers, Their Highnesses Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates. I also congratulate the people of the UAE on this glorious day, praying to Allah to preserve our state, to remain always as a symbol of pride and progress, development and prosperity.” Continue reading →