His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, has expressed his pride at Emiratis who pursue excellence and creativity to score achievements in many areas that enhance the status of the UAE regionally and globally, and raise its flag in various fields.

This remark was made when he received today at Al Bahr Palace the UAE Armed Forces' team members who climbed to Mount Everest, which is 8, 848 metres above sea level.

Sheikh Mohamed praised the military team’s feat to climb Mount Everest, saying their success is deemed one of the most difficult and dangerous tasks. The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi lauded the spirit of co-operation, teamwork, and determination demonstrated by the team to overcome the difficulties to climb to the highest peak on earth. "I feel proud about the Emirati sons and daughters, who are also children of Zayed. They climbed the world's highest mountain peak," he added.

While congratulating them, Sheikh Mohamed said, "We were aware the task was difficult. Many of us in the UAE watched the team members while they were climbing the Everest. The risk was high and we were stricken with fear but awed with your resolve to continue the mission."

Sheikh Mohamed described them as heroes and role models for Emirati youth, adding that success of each Emirati in his/her field is the secret behind the UAE's prosperity and ranking in the first positions in different fields.

For their part, the team members thanked Sheikh Mohamed for his full support, which effectively motivated them to accomplish the mission. They added that their feat put a smile on the faces of Emiratis.

At the palace, a group of students from Abu Dhabi schools greeted the military team, and expressed joy over the reunion with the Emirati champions. The students showered the team members with flowers for their unprecedented achievement. The team members reciprocated by giving them special photos about the adventure.

The reception was attended by H.H. Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Eastern Region; H.H. Sheikh Surour bin Mohammed Al Nahyan; H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation; H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior; Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of the Culture and Knowledge Development, and a number of Sheikhs and senior officials and a group of citizens.

Source :WAM