General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, watched on Wednesday the final stage of the UAE-French joint military exercise codenamed “Gulf 2012”.
The drill falls under the UAE joint training plans with Armed Forces of sisterly and friendly countries and within the framework of coordination and sharing of military expertise in implementation of the UAE-France defense pact.
Before the exercise started, Sheikh Mohammed was briefed on the purpose and phases of the war games as well as the combat units and formations which engaged in the exercise from both countries. He then headed to the stand where he watched the live ammunition demonstrations conducted by Land and Air Forces.
The exercise aimed at increasing the combat capabilities of Emirati and French Forces to enable them confront potential risks and threats in a manner that demonstrates strength of the distinguished partnership between the two friendly countries.
Afterwards, Sheikh Mohammed also got first-hand knowledge on training simulation and then toured an exhibition for weapons and equipment used by Emirati and French Forces.
The UAE Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces lauded the high competence and capabilities of the forces and their operational abilities on the ground.
He said the engagement of the French Armed Forces in the Gulf 2012 exercises underscores the depth of bilateral ties. He added that these qualitative training activities would fortify capacities of different units to assume their national duties and remain ready and alert at all times to deal with any possible threats and deliver better protection and defense of the national soil and sovereignty, stability and interests of the country.
Since 1996, the Gulf exercise has been a routine military training held every four years as part of joint military exercises under the 1995 defense treaty.
The exercise was also watched by Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Ruler’s Representative in the Eastern Region, Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor, Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, Lt. General Mohammed Obeid Al Ka'abi, Undersecretary of Defense Ministry, Lt. General Hamad Thani Al Rumaithi, Chief of Staff of UAE Armed Forces, French Chief of Staff Admiral Edward Guo, French Ambassador to UAE Alain Azouaou, and a group of top Emirati and French officers.
Source: Emirates 24/7; Photo: WAM
