H.H. Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, has said that while celebrating the 41st anniversary of the unification of the UAE Armed Forces, the people of the UAE feel grateful to this glorious event, which is a landmark in history of the country.
He paid a tribute to the UAE Armed Forces for safeguarding the security of the region and taking part in the international peace keeping and humanitarian missions.
Full text of the statement of H.H. Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman on the 41st Anniversary of the UAE Armed Forces' Unification Day: "We renew our commitment and gratitude to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the Federal Supreme Council Members, The Rulers of the Emirates. On 6th May, 1976, they took the historical decision to unify the Armed Forces and build a strong army which safeguard and protect security, stability of the country and strengthen pillars of the UAE Union.
On this great occasion, I extend congratulations to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces; Supreme Council Members, Their Highnesses Rulers of the Emirates, and to the people of the UAE.
The historic decision positioned the UAE Armed Forces as one of the strong armies, which made us proud of having a modern army, equipped with the latest military technologies and capable to tackle all challenges and contribute effectively with other GCC and Arab countries' armies to protecting an achieving the security and stability of the region.
On this occasion, I congratulate our brave soldiers and praise their sacrifices on the battlefields, and appreciate their noble sacrifices.
The 41st anniversary of the UAE Armed Forces' Unification coincides with the sacrifices of the Emirati soldiers in Yemen. With their sacrifices, they demonstrate patriotism and loyalty to homeland in light of their commitment to safeguarding development, peace, security and happiness of the humanity.
Since the unification of the UAE Armed Forces, the country has been through historic stages and accomplished many achievements in line with the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who had promoted all values of sacrifice, loyalty and love to protect and develop the human resources.
The UAE Armed Forces provide support and relief to the victims of disasters and the underprivileged across the globe. They also provided the humanitarian aid to shelter refugees and the injured as well as contribute to rebuilding and reconstruction in post conflict zones. .
The UAE Armed Forces, with the support of its allies, are capable to achieve victory against aggressors, the case in point is their participation in the Arab Deterrent Forces in Lebanon during the civil war, the liberation of Kuwait during the Gulf War and provision of military, diplomatic and financial assistance.
They also contributed to the efforts of demining and establishing modern shelters in an effort to help the Arab nation overcome its crisis. All these contributions are seen in the words of the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, when he said, "Arab oil is not more precious than Arab blood."
The UAE, thanks to the efforts of the Armed Forces, other security authorities and vigilance of Emiratis, has also succeeded in defeating the terrorism and eliminating all forms of extremism and brutality by adopting a strategic approach to fight the extremist ideology, which is based on enlightenment, tolerance, supporting moderation values, coexistence and openness to various human cultures, and put forward innovative initiatives to achieve its noble goals.
The country has established centres to counter the propaganda activities of false and misleading ideas of malicious organisations. It has introduced the Ministry of Tolerance, and a number of initiatives to enhance tolerant values, as part of cooperation and coordination with the international community, to achieve peace, security and stability regionally and internationally.
We are very proud of our young people who are committed and race to join the Armed Forces, given their high sense of duty and loyalty towards homeland, as well as their preparedness to protect the country's achievements and preserve its gains.
The memory of Emirati martyrs is the most precious thing to cherish. We miss them but we feel happy for them as Allah the Almighty has honoured them. Martyrdom is a very high stature, and we pray to Allah the Almighty to rest their souls in eternal peace.
In conclusion, on this precious occasion, we renew our determination to move forward in the path of union and building the nation. I call upon the people of this country to continue to be faithful and loyal to protect the achievements of the UAE through acquiring useful knowledge and hard work."

Source: WAM