Mohamed bin Zayed, Mohamed bin Salman review bilateral ties, regional issues

ABU DHABI: Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, arrived in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday for a two-day official visit to the UAE.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, led a high-level entourage of top officials to welcome Prince Mohammed bin Salman and his accompanying delegation upon arrival at the Presidential Airport.

Sheikh Mohamed and Prince Mohammed bin Salman, reviewed the bilateral relations and opportunities to develop them in the light of the explored strategic cooperation between their countries, the UAE’s official news agency reported.

They also discussed regional and international developments of mutual interests. This came during the talks held on Tuesday between the two leaders, at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi.

The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia conveyed greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohamed on the UAE’s 50th National Day anniversary and his wishes of further progress and prosperity to the people of the UAE.

The meeting touched on various aspects of strategic cooperation between the two countries, which is founded on coordination, joint action and mutual interests.

Sheikh Mohamed and Prince Mohammed bin Salman also discussed the importance of boosting joint GCC and Arab action, as well as regional and international issues of interests.

They emphasised the need to strengthen regional stability, a key pillar for the development and progress.

Sheikh Mohamed lauded the strong brotherly relations between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, emanating from their belief in the shared destiny.

“Thanks to the efforts of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his brothers the Kings of Saudi Arabia, and the stances of His Highness the President and his brother the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the excellent relations between our countries keep growing stronger, as they are founded on fraternity, history, geography and common interests,” he added.

Sheikh Mohamed also referred to the key role played by Saudi Arabia in regional and Arab security.

“Saudi Arabia has been, and will always be a key regional player. We are confident that together, we will be able to confront all challenges in the region and to maintain our common interests and the welfare of our people.”

Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed delight over visiting the UAE and sharing the joy of its National Day celebrations. He expressed best wishes to the government and the people of the UAE, saying that Saudi Arabia is proud of the excellent, historic fraternal ties with the UAE.

President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan conferred the “Order of Zayed” on His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, in appreciation to his role in developing relations and cooperation between the UAE and Saudi Arabia and as an expression of pride of the historic fraternal bonds between the two countries.