UAE Embassy in Washington, DC Celebrates 36th anniversary of UAE's Armed Forces Unification

WASHINGTON, DC (9 May 2012) -- The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Washington, D.C., held a reception today to celebrate the 36th anniversary of the unification of the Armed Forces of the UAE.

Yousef Al Otaiba, UAE's ambassador to the United Sates, welcomed distinguished guests to the event alongside Defense Attach? Staff Colonel Abdelrahman Al Mazmi. The event was attended by senior officers from the US and other nations' armed forces, as well as diplomats and senior government officials.

Ambassador Al Otaiba commented on the occasion, saying: "We are very proud of the men and women of our armed forces. The UAE's military today is one of the best equipped and most advanced due to the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Defense; and His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces". He added, "We appreciate the ongoing military cooperation, the robust procurement, and the training programs with the United States".

Defense Attach? Al Mazmi said, "I would like to congratulate our leadership on this important day in our history." He added, "The UAE's military has played a key role to ensure regional security and stability for the past 36 years".