Sharjah 24 - WAM: His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, stressed that the decision to unify the UAE Armed Forces on 6th May, 1976, was a milestone in the country's history.

It also underscored the wisdom and determination of the Founding Fathers to unify the Armed Forces under one central command, one motto, and one flag, forming a federal entity that safeguards the homeland, ensures its security and stability, protects its resources and wealth, supports brothers, assists the needy, and friends, he added.

In his speech on the occasion of the 48th Armed Forces Unification Day, His Highness Sheikh Saud stated that the historic decision made by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his fellow Founding Fathers to unify the Armed Forces was the beginning of a new dawn and an exceptional beginning with the hands and determination of the Emirati people towards a new phase of establishment, modernisation, and development of the Armed forces, through preparing qualified national military cadres to lead various military units with high efficiency and equipping them with the latest equipment and advanced military industries. The aim, His Highness said is to make Emirati military institutions globally admired models of progress and efficiency, and positively contributing to regional and global security, peace, and humanitarian relief efforts.

“The unification decision reflects the deeply rooted values of loyalty and belonging in the hearts of the nation's children and their adherence to and pride in the principles of the Union and its noble values, which the Founding Fathers instilled in the hearts of the Emirati people. The decision was an extension of the declaration of the establishment of the UAE in 1971, as well as a cornerstone of the Union, and a realisation of the wisdom of the Founding Leaders in envisioning the future of the country, and its need for a deterrent force capable of protecting its achievements and gains, and defending its lands, waters, and skies,” he said.

He added, "Our armed forces have always received special attention and great care from my brother, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, following in the footsteps of the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed, and Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. His Highness believes that the armed forces are a fundamental pillar in building the country, a safety valve in the journey of construction and development, and a formidable shield to preserve national gains. His legacy has been evident in bringing about a qualitative leap in the development of our armed forces. He has provided the necessary resources and equipped them with the latest military technology and advanced defence industries to be at the forefront of modern military institutions."

On this spectacular occasion, the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah extended his warmest congratulations and greetings to President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, Their Highnesses Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, and the personnel and officers of the Armed Forces, and the people of the UAE.

In conclusion, he said, "May the UAE continue to prosper in security, progress, and prosperity every year."