This is a region that faces a series of existential threats from extremists who would undermine all that it enjoys in common, and from a hegemonistic regime across the Arabian Gulf that has spread its tentacles of influence from Yemen to Lebanon, into Iraq and Syria, and is trying to sow discord in Bahrain and Kuwait. And to counter such threats, an effective and proven strategy is needed to work closely with our neighbours who share common interests and values.
Together, the UAE and Saudi Arabia have stood as brothers, willing to face down those who would undermine our nations, sabotage the values that we share as brothers, or who threaten others within our Arab family.
Whether it be standing up to the aggression of the regime in Iran — as it fosters chaos in Yemen and its Al Houthi minions — in committing to fight those who spread terror and sedition, calling out our Arab brothers in Qatar for aiding and abetting those who spread and propagate unrest, or jointly coming to the aid of those most in need, the leadership and people of the UAE and Saudi Arabia stand together, shoulder to shoulder.
Those who believe that their terrorist and seditious actions will divide or harm this deep and special long-standing relationship between our two great nations are indeed truly mistaken.
And even after such threats have been eliminated, as surely as day-rise follows night’s fall, the relationship between brothers will endure. These are not bonds forged out of expedience or necessity, they are ties that run as deep as time itself in this wondrous land we share. Our values and faith are deep too, and so is our commitment to a joint and shared future.
In practical matters, earlier this week, both nations reaffirmed their close alliance to tackle regional challenges. “The historic and joint responsibility of the UAE and Saudi Arabia towards regional changes is based on the understanding and synergy that exists between the two countries,” His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, said in a meeting with Saudi King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz in Riyadh.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE have indeed assumed a historic responsibility to restore stability in the Middle East. Together, the two nations are set out to forge a future that endures and truly benefits our Arab neighbours and the region at large.
