President Khalifa salutes Armed Forces on 41st Anniversary of Unification

President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has reiterated his pride in the UAE Armed Forces personnel, praising the efforts and sacrifices made in order to protect the country and to preserve the achievements of its people.

His highness made these comments on the 41st anniversary of the historic resolution to unify the UAE Armed Forces.

Herein follows the speech in full of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the occasion: "My sons, commanders, officers, non-commissioned officers and soldiers of our valiant armed forces, may peace, Allah's mercy and blessings be upon you.

We are pleased that our country celebrates the 41st anniversary of the unification of its armed forces. We extend our heartfelt salute to you in light of efforts and the sacrifices you have offered to protect the country's soil and to preserve the achievements of its people.

On 6th May each year, we wholeheartedly recall our late founding fathers and leaders who made the historic decision to unify our armed forces. It is a day on which we pay rich tribute to the martyrs of the homeland who have sacrificed their lives for the sake of truth, and to safeguard our Gulf and Arab security. We stand by their families and take full care of their children. It is a day on which we extend our thanks to our loyal people who rally behind their leadership, and line up alongside our soldiers to encourage and motivate them.

The strength and readiness of our armed forces is the result of a comprehensive national strategic vision which has enabled our nation, with the help of Allah, to build a deterrent force in the hands of trained youth, equipped with the latest armaments, systems and technologies.

We, with our brothers, the Members of the Supreme Council, Their Highnesses the Rulers of the Emirates, are continuing to develop the capabilities of our armed forces, enabling them to continue to discharge their national defence duties and their universal humanitarian missions to safeguard international peace and security.

My sons and daughters, we are proud of your achievements and successes in carrying out the tasks assigned to you. You have performed them efficiently and faithfully, and you have contributed to enhancing the security and stability of our nation, our people and our brothers in the Gulf Cooperation Council for Arab States, as well as helping the oppressed and delivering relief aid to the needy.

Our armed forces will remain a symbol of national unity and support for our brothers and friends. Belonging to the armed forces will always be an honour, a duty and a right for all citizens.

May peace, Allah's mercy and blessings be upon you."