Lt Gen Saddam Haftar praises equestrianism and national heritage
LIBYA – Deputy Commander-in-Chief Lt Gen Saddam Haftar has expressed his pleasure at attending the closing events of the UAE President’s Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses, alongside Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, at the Al-Watan Shooting and Equestrian Club in Benghazi, as part of the third Libya Heritage Carnival.
Hosting the championship for a second consecutive year
Lt Gen Saddam Haftar expressed pride that Benghazi was hosting the international championship for the second year running, praising the UAE’s confidence in choosing the city again. He described the choice as recognition of the security and organisational capabilities and the expertise that qualify Libya to host international events, expand sporting and cultural cooperation, strengthen stability and regain its standing.
Equestrianism brings together riders from across Libya
He saluted the riders taking part from cities across Libya, stressing that equestrian arenas unite them around a shared heritage and common values of pride, dignity, nobility, courage, discipline, wisdom and respect. These values, he said, run deeper than the differences the country has been through, and sponsoring heritage events helps pass them on to future generations and supports efforts towards building the country, security, stability and prosperity.
Thanks to the UAE and continued support for talent
Lt Gen Saddam Haftar thanked UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice President Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan for their continued support for purebred Arabian equestrianism and for strengthening cooperation between the two countries. He also thanked Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, the championship’s organisers and the participating riders.
He pledged continued support for sport in all its fields, nurturing young talent and preserving national heritage, as well as encouraging sporting, cultural and heritage events, developing national facilities and capabilities, opening up opportunities for creativity and excellence, and hosting international events. He described these arenas as bridges bringing Libyans closer together and spaces for building, hope and restoring the country’s presence and standing.
