Concept of union strong in minds, hearts of Emiratis: Mohamed bin Zayed

General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has paid a glowing tribute to the Federal Supreme Council, which was led by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, on the historic resolution to unify the UAE Armed Forces on May 6, 1976.

He told ‘Diraa al-Watan’ (Nation's Shield) magazine on the 38th anniversary of Unification of the UAE Armed Forces that the unification has since then strengthened the concept of union in the minds and hearts of Emiratis, thanks to the faith of the founding fathers in the union and development.

Following is the full text of the speech:

"6th of May, 1976, the day of unification of the UAE Armed Forces, represents the launch-pad for the comprehensive development being witnessed by the UAE, as well as for the strategic dimension and future of our dear country.

“The historic decision taken by the Federal Supreme Council led by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan on the unification of the armed forces under one command and one flag, set the solid foundation for the concept of union that had been instilled in the minds and hearts of Emiratis.

“The founding fathers, who had faith that the union was the sole path for development and progress in all fields, believed that the UAE needed a force to protect its achievements and sovereignty and prepare educated patriotic national cadres to defend it.

“We observe each year the anniversary of the unification of UAE Armed Forces amid new achievements in terms of  armaments, training and military technology. This year's celebration comes in the wake of the Federal National Council's (FNC) resolution on the national and reserve service law. The new law will provide the armed forces with more national cadres. It will also boost the allegiance of the  youth to the country and polish their capabilities and skills through military service, as they will acquire more ability to tackle difficulties and challenges.

“The resolution will also push forward the development process in the UAE, as the skills to be acquired by Emiratis during the military service will benefit them in practical life.

“I'm confident that Emiratis are ready for military service and to sacrifice anytime and anywhere. They have demonstrated that through our history and the region. This is why they reacted positively to the FNC resolution on the national and reserves law.

“Even many Emiratis who had exceeded the specified age have asked that they should have honour of joining the service.

“The youth are the hope of and the makers of the future, as no country can achieve development and progress except through the educated youth who love their country, pledge loyalty to the leadership and are ready to heed the call for duty anytime and anywhere. Of course, this sums up the status of our Emirati youth.

“The anniversary of Unification Day evokes the first years of the Union and how the late Sheikh Zayed and his brothers, members of the Federal Supreme Council of Rulers of the Emirates, had tackled difficulties with courage and a strong will to take the historic decision. It also relates the story of the development phases of the armed forces.

“We appreciate the self-denial and role of the first military batches who implemented the wise vision of the leadership in merging the armed forces.

“The armed forces witnessed in the first years of the Union huge qualitative developments at all levels.

“This legacy has been revamped by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan by providing whatever it takes to keep our armed forces at the level of world armed forces in terms of armaments, training and others.

“The support for the armed forces is unlimited. It is the protective shield for the country, the symbol of its glory and the title of its image.

“It has proven to be a force to be reckoned with for  regional stability and security, as it backs brothers in need.

“The UAE is always on the side of truth and extends a hand to whatever will ensure world peace and stability. It rejects all forms of threats or aggression, and calls for resolving all conflicts by dialogue and amicable methods.

“On this occasion, we reiterate our commitment to keep the UAE flag high and the country united and protected by our armed forces and all citizens.

“I seize this opportunity to congratulate President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan,  His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and Members of the Supreme Council, Their Highnesses Rulers of Emirates, the UAE Armed Forces and all Emiratis."



Mohamed bin Zayed receives top delegates to the high-level climate change meeting

General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, on Monday received at Al Bahr Palace a high-profile delegation of government, business and civil society leaders, who participated in the "Abu Dhabi Ascent 2014", a two-day high-level climate change meeting hosted by the UAE in partnership with the UN.


The delegation, who were accompanied by Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State and CEO of Masdar, and Lana Nusseibeh, Permanent Representative of the UAE to the United Nations, included United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, former President of Mexico Felipe Calderon, and Chair of the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate, former US Vice-President Al Gore, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Strategic Planning Robert Orr, among others.

Sheikh Mohamed welcomed the participants at the important UN meeting to the UAE, noting that the UAE places engagement in and contribution to international efforts to combat environmental degradation and mitigate impacts of climate change at the top of its priorities.

Before participating in these efforts, General Mohamed said the UAE had devised development plans, which cater to environmental requirements and set up projects  and developed solutions in areas of clean technology and renewable energy.

General Mohamed expressed the hope that all countries and corporations would join hands to overcome challenges facing the environment and climate and take together through joint action a series of tangible and effective measures through which the world can reduce impact of climate change and ensure security of resources of energy, water and food.


A number of guests spoke about the vital importance of international cooperation in climate change and setting of legal and legislative frameworks for reducing negative impacts on the environment and climate. They also noted to the UAE's local and international initiatives, efforts and projects in this respect.

The meeting was attended by Sheikh Rashid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mu'alla, Crown Prince of Umm Al Qaiwain; Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah; Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Western Region; Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation; Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior; Sheikh Omar bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation; Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and a number of sheikhs, ministers and senior officials.


 

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