The Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces, Issa Saif bin Abalan Al-Mazrouei, emphasized that the unification of the armed forces was not just a military decision, but a cornerstone in building a strong and united state capable of protecting its security and stability and ensuring a bright future for its citizens.
In a speech marking the 48th anniversary of the unification of the armed forces, he stated: "I extend the highest expressions of congratulations to the President of the State, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and to the Vice President, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, on the occasion of the 48th anniversary of the unification of the armed forces, which took place on the sixth of May 1976. This day is considered one of the important national days in the history of contemporary UAE and a historical milestone that we celebrate every year at the level of our armed forces, and we take pride in this pivotal decision in the course of the union, when our wise leadership, represented by the founding fathers, decided to unite the ranks of the armed forces under one command, thereby enhancing the stability of our country and protecting its resources and gains."
He regarded the decision to unify the armed forces as an important and decisive step that confirmed the strategic vision and leadership acumen that characterized the late founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his brothers, the rulers of the Emirates at that time. Since then, we have been following a path of progress and development, as our armed forces have witnessed significant advancements in organization, armament, and training, making them a model to be emulated in the region and the world.
He stated that "the unification of the armed forces was not just a military decision, but a cornerstone in building a strong and united state capable of protecting its security and stability and ensuring a bright future for its citizens. This decision was a fundamental cornerstone for our armed forces to build effective defensive capabilities, believing in the importance of cooperation and joint work to achieve national goals."
He continued in his speech: "On this dear anniversary, we affirm to the UAE government and people our commitment to continue developing and equipping our armed forces with the latest technologies and trained human resources, to enhance their readiness and preparedness to face future challenges and advance the development of the national defense industries system, relying on the capabilities and military products that we proudly manufacture with the skills and expertise of Emiratis. We are also committed to intensifying our efforts to enhance military cooperation with our partners and allies to ensure security and stability in the region and the world."
