Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces observes 37th Anniversary of the Unification UAE Armed Forces

Abu Dhabi, May 6, 2013 (WAM) - Staff Lt. General Hamad Mohammed Thani Al Rumaithi, Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces, said that the 37th anniversary of the UAE Armed Forces Unification embodies the will of Emirati people as outlined by the founders of the Union. He told Dira'a al-Watan Magazine (Nation Shield Magazine) that the decision of Unification of the Armed Forces on May 6th, 1976, was a qualitative shift to the Union as it consolidated the position of the UAE in the region. "When we mark this glorious anniversary, we remember the founding father of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, for his great efforts to establish the Union, Unification of the Armed Forces and the development of the Armed Forces in terms of the armament, military philosophy and tactics", Lt. General Hamad said. He added that there was inevitable correlation between the building of a military force and its development as they represent true guarantees for balanced comprehensive sustainable development, noting that this strategy interacts organically with the security and peace of the Gulf Cooperation Council for Arab States (GCC), the Arab nation and the world as well. Lt. General Hamad quoted His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces as saying, "The development and huge achievements of the UAE Armed Forces throughout the years were not accidental, but were attained through perseverance. President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has been overseeing all the phases of building the UAE Armed Forces." He hailed the efforts of the Armed Forces, urging them to continue pledging their allegiance to the leadership and the country, as well as acquiring more expertise in terms of technology and armaments. The Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces greeted the UAE President, the UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Members of The Supreme Council, Their Highnesses Rulers of the Emirates and the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince on the occasion of the UAE Armed Forces Unification Anniversary. He concluded, "As commanders, officers, personnel and civilian staff, we once more pledge our loyalty to the UAE President to protect the country." - Emirates News Agency, WAM