UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has said that the challenges and risks threatening the region and the ongoing tensions facing the world require the leaders of the country to maintain readiness, harness all capacities, and acquire the most advanced military equipment.
Speaking to mark the 46th Armed Forces Unification Day, Sheikh Khalifa said the UAE would continue to develop its national defense industries in the years ahead.
“This enables us to proceed with our ambitious projects, help protect global peace and security, combat terrorism and provide aid in areas torn by disasters and conflicts,” he said.
“To boost our political and military vision, we shall continue to strengthen our military cooperation with fraternal and friendly countries and upgrade our armed forces, diversify their weapons, and develop our national defense industries,” he added.
This decision embodies the wise vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the late Founding Leaders, Rulers of the Emirates, as well as their determination to establish the pillars of the Union and support its journey, while fully aware that achieving power, resilience and development requires a strong, unified, highly efficient, and well-equipped army.
Sheikh Khalifa said the UAE Armed Forces were a “trusted guardian” of the country's gains and he paid tribute to the commanders, officers, and soldiers and all those who made the “ultimate sacrifice” to protect the UAE.
“Our Armed Forces will forever remain a symbol of national unity,” he stressed.
