We extend appreciation to our martyrs: Mansour bin Zayed

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, has extended his appreciation to the martyrs who sacrificed themselves for the sake of the homeland.

He also paid tribute to the soldiers of the UAE Armed Forces who are role models in defending the country and homeland against all threats and challenges.

In his statement to the Nation Shield Magazine on the occasion of the UAE's 44th National Day, Sheikh Mansour said that the Union is a great historic achievement accomplished by far-sighted founding fathers. He also referred to the high standard of living, well-being and happiness indicators achieved by the UAE, thanks to the wise leadership.

Following is the full text of the speech:

"On this great day, our people celebrate the 44th anniversary of UAE's establishment. It is an honour to me and all Emiratis to extend greetings to the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who leads our union march, to complement the march and legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his brothers Supreme Council Members, Their Highnesses Ruler of the Emirates. May Allah Almighty rest their souls in eternal peace. I also extend greetings to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Supreme Council Members, Their Highnesses Rulers of the Emirates, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

“The Union is a great and historic achievement accomplished by the far-sighted and wise leaders who took the right decisions to trigger a notable development boom that exceeded all standards. At the same time, the standard of living and welfare reached a record level in terms of justice, progress, equal opportunities, capacity building, utilisation of energies, women empowerment, a sophisticated infrastructure, and better public services, as well as comprehensive social care.

“Today, in the light of these outstanding accomplishments, we are more advanced, cohesive, united behind our wise leadership and more determined to continue the economic growth to safeguard our union, as well as to defend our country which is built on justice, rule of law, security, happiness and prosperity.

“Today, despite the challenges, we have made more impact at the regional and international levels in co-operation with our brothers and friends. We support the fight against extremism and terrorism, and exert efforts to reach a reconciliation between the parties, contribute to all efforts aimed at enhancing security, and integration and co-ordination of the GCC to safeguard Arab entity, as well as preserve regional and global peace.

“On this occasion, we extend appreciation to our martyrs, who sacrificed themselves for the sake of the homeland. We greet our Armed Forces, who are role models in defending the homeland and the nation against all threats and challenges. Also, on this occasion, we thank Allah Almighty and wish further security and safety, as well as continuation of the welfare march under our prudent leadership, especially the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.''

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