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'Unification strengthened federation march'

"It reflected the sincere desire for unifying of efforts in all areas and is a clear manifestation of the commitment of the UAE leadership to ensure that the UAE becomes a shield that protects the nation, its interest and achievements," said Gen. Shaikh Mohammed in his statement to Dir El Watan magazine on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the unification of the UAE Army. "On this happy occasion, we are overwhelmed by the feeling of allegiance, loyalty and pride for the late founder and leader, Gen. Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who, together with his brethren, Their Highnesses Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates, drew a clear-dimension strategy, laid the foundation and build the pillars of the UAE Armed Forces and their development with its core being the Emirati human resources and cadres," Gen. Shaikh Mohammed said in the statement.

He pointed out that the UAE Armed Forces had made a giant stride forward in its development and modernisation drive, although, he admitted, achieving that feat did not come on a silver platter.

"Achieving that feat did not come easily nor was it by chance. It was the fruit of strenuous efforts that was exerted and continued to be exerted by the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to match with the nation building, modernisation and development drive," he said. It also came to "crown the sincere efforts of the sons and daughters of this nation, members of the UAE Armed Forces, both junior and senior officers of the army, who have shown sincere efforts to make a difference by improving the performance and competence of our armed forces in a way that would enable them stand the test and challenges of modern time."

He expressed confidence in the ability of the UAE Armed Forces to realise more achievements. He also expressed the hope that these achievements would be followed by many others in the years ahead under the able leadership and support of Shaikh Khalifa.

Gen. Shaikh Mohammed said the UAE remains committed to pursuing this successful march of developing and modernising its armed forces, by equipping it with sophisticated and state-of-the-art weapons.

"This does not, whatsoever, mean a change in the UAE's strategy or a retreat in its peaceful policy and principle. It reflects the UAE's desire and relentlessness in providing the necessary protection for a peaceful nation that interacts with the world by building bridges of love, peace, cooperation and mutual respect, a nation that wishes good for all peoples of the world, a nation that eschews violence, terrorism, wars, antagonism and rejects all forms of tyranny, injustice and suppression," he said. "That is why the UAE Armed Forces responded to clarion calls made on several occasions by the United Nations by serving under the UN in various humanitarian and peace keeping missions in various parts of the world," he elaborated.

The Abu Dhabi Crown Prince praised members of the UAE Armed Forces and expressed great pride in them for the great efforts they put in to uplift the standard of the UAE army.

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