Leaders hail UAE Armed Forces on Unification Day

Abu Dhabi - Turmoil facing the region calls for resolve and readiness to defend the homeland, says Shaikh Khalifa

The President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan; His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; and His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, paid glowing tributes to the Federal Supreme Council, led by the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, on its historic resolution to unify the UAE Armed Forces 40 years ago.

Shaikh Khalifa stresses UAE's commitment to fight terrorism
The President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has said that what the region is witnessing in conflict, turmoil and wars, is a result of a growth in terrorist movements and foreign interventions, which are causing destruction and devastation, and, "are placing upon us a historical responsibility that requires a show of resolve and readiness to defend the nation."
Speaking to the military and strategic journal, 'Nation Shield', on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Unification of the UAE Armed Forces, Shaikh Khalifa reiterated his commitment to fighting extremism and terrorism, and the forces of obscurantism.
Shaikh Khalifa also called on intellectuals and clerics to intensify their efforts in spreading the values and principles of tolerance of the Islamic religion.
Commenting on the occasion of the Unification of the UAE Armed Forces, Shaikh Khalifa said, "We, on this occasion which has strengthened the pillars of our union and guaranteed its continuity, recall with all reverence the lives of the founding leaders who made the decision to unite our armed forces forty years ago."
Full text of the statement of President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan 

Shaikh Mohammed greets UAE Armed Forces founders' vision 
His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has extended greetings and appreciation to the UAE Armed Forces founders, who contributed to building this institution, especially the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, The President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
In his speech published in the 'Nation Shield' magazine, Shaikh Mohammed said that on the occasion of 40^th anniversary of the Unification of the Armed Forces, "We greet members of the UAE Armed Forces, commanders, officers and soldiers, as well as those in other security authorities and veterans in the field."
Shaikh Mohammed said that he, along with all mothers and fathers, and UAE citizens, extend appreciation to the nation's martyrs who sacrificed their lives to support the right and thwart evil before it is too late, and which threatens the security and stability of our country and our region. "I greet every Emirati citizen who is part of our big Emirati family, to have love, cooperation, solidarity and good ethics, and to come together in both joy and hardships to express our loyalty to the homeland and the leadership, to enhance our renaissance and achieve our aspirations."
Full text of the statement of Shaikh Mohammed

Our armed forces are able to face all threats: Mohamed bin Zayed   
His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has said that celebrating the 40^th anniversary of the Unification of the UAE Armed Forces comes as we stand on solid ground, and look towards the future with hope and confidence. "You have proven your competence, capability and determination to achieve victory in the just battles against aggression, evil and terrorism, reaffirming to the world the integrity of our approach over the past decades in developing and equipping our armed forces to the highest international standards," he said.
Speaking to the military and strategic journal, 'Nation Shield', on the occasion of the 40^th anniversary of the Unification of the UAE Armed Forces, Shaikh Mohamed bin Zayed addressed the sons and daughters of the UAE, telling them, "You are the pillar of this force and the basis of its development, and our deepest faith is in you after God. Under the leadership of the President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, you pave the way for a brighter future of security and stability, and of a development protected by power and unity. On this day which brings back a cherished memory for every one of us, I congratulate all of you, reaffirming the unlimited support of our leadership and its appreciation for the heroic role you play in defending our nation and standing up against the threats to Arab security.
Full text of the statement of Shaikh Mohamed bin Zayed