Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed: UAE and Saudi Arabia 'partners in one trench'

The UAE and Saudi Arabia stand strongly together in confronting any challenges, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said on Wednesday. The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Force spoke during the opening of the Presidential Guard Martyrs' Park in Mahawi Camp in the emirate. The park was built in commemoration of the members of the Presidential Guard who died during service. ''UAE and Saudi Arabia are standing as partners in one trench to face besetting challenges," Sheikh Mohamed said. "Our shared goals are security of the UAE and Saudi Arabia and stability of the whole region. We also share a common destiny and future. ''The ultimate sacrifices offered by our martyrs in defence of right and duty are a source of pride and dignity and represent medals of honour and glory for Emiratis, generation after generation." Sheikh Mohamed said the world faced continuous challenges and countries that wanted to grow must overcome them. ''Our participation in the Arab Coalition and our confrontation to challenges have made the UAE stronger, vehemently resolved and well aware of how to face difficulties,” he said. Speaking on the anniversary of a rocket explosion in Safir, Yemen, that killed at least 45 Emirati soldiers , Sheikh Mohammed said: "The UAE offered precious lives and blood there. "However, we survived that painful day and became more strong and resolute. “Thanks to Allah, we passed that day with more determination and iron will. Sacrifices of our martyrs are great and the stance of their families are historic and honourable.'' On that day four years ago, the UAE lost more men in warfare than at any time in its history. For three days of mourning, UAE flags were lowered to half-staff as radio stations switched to classical music and readings from the holy Quran. "May the blessings of Allah be upon the parents of martyrs, who raised the generation that we are extremely proud of," Sheikh Mohamed said. "We also pray to Allah to have mercy on our martyrs' souls and to reward their sacrifices with Paradise." He thanked all of those who served the country and made sacrifices in the name of their country. "We will continue remembering our martyrs and commemorate their heroic sacrifices and the values they upheld," Sheikh Mohamed said. "They are the source of pride and inspiration to all Emiratis and from them, our generations draw the values of selfless giving and patriotism." Sheikh Mohamed was received at Mahawi Camp by Mohammed Al Bowardi, Minister of State for Defence Affairs, Lt Gen Hamad Al Rumaithi, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, and commanders of units. He toured the park and placed the name of the first Emirati Presidential Guard to die during service on the mural. Sheikh Mohamed was accompanied by Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed, Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs. Sheikh Hazza, Sheikh Mansour and senior Armed Forces officers placed the rest of the names on the 11-metre by 1.8-metre mural. The park also contains a model of the 200-year-old Al Maqta Tower, which served as a watchtower to protect Abu Dhabi city. The water flowing from the structure and the surrounding palm trees symbolises the eternal memory of the servicemen. The park is fenced with Islamic-style arches. The opening ceremony was also attended by Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoun, Executive Director of the Martyrs' Families' Affairs Office of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince, Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co-operation, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Affairs Authority, and Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed: UAE and Saudi Arabia 'partners in one trench'

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince tells of shared goals between Saudi Arabia and UAE, during inauguration of Martyrs' Park