H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, has said that the UAE martyrs' sacrifices have deepened the cohesion of its people and promote awareness on the concepts of martyrdom and the status of martyrs in the people's hearts.

In a speech to Dira’a Al Watan, The Nation Shield magazine on the occasion of Commemoration Day, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah said that the UAE, since its inception, has established pillars of a civilised country based on authentic values and principles, which proved to the whole world that the UAE is a land of love and peace, evaluating justice, calling for equality, standing by the oppressed and the vulnerable and reaching out to help our brothers, friends and the needy wherever they may be.

He added, "The 30th of November is a day for honouring the martyrs of the homeland, embodying the meanings of giving and the martyr's stature in the hearts of the people. Commemoration Day also delivers a strong message that the people of the UAE are always ready to defend the truth and justice and defending the oppressed out of the beliefs laid down by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Sheikh Abdullah went on to say, "Commemoration Day reflects the promotion of resilience and determination of the UAE people to defend their homeland and to protect the gains accomplished under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the unremitting follow-up of Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates.

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah added, "The UAE heroes' sacrifices have deepened the cohesion of its people and promoted awareness of the concepts of martyrdom and the status of martyrs, as well as the importance of the performance of duty to the nation which is truly exemplified by the feelings of pride and glory that fill the hearts of all Emiratis marking Commemoration Day for the martyrs who have given their lives, giving great examples of heroism and courage in the memory and history of the nation."

"Marking Commemoration Day comes to prove to the whole world that the UAE does not forget the sacrifices of its heroes, as President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has said, 'Nations are promoted and elevated by the victories of its citizens, and the sacrifices of its martyrs establish power, glory and pride for the present and future generations'."

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah concluded by saying that the UAE, since its inception, has "established pillars of a civilised country based on authentic values and principles, which proved to the whole world that the UAE is a land of love and peace, evaluating justice, calling for equality, standing by the oppressed and the vulnerable and reaching out to help our brothers, friends and the needy everywhere.

The 30th of November is, and will continue to be, a landmark in the history of our precious nation, renewing the feelings of pride and recalling the sacrifice our martyrs made for their homeland and their nation.