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Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan with Mohammad Bin Salman and other dignitaries during the closing ceremony of the Mohammad Bin Salman Camel Festival in Taif province, Saudi Arabia. Image Credit: WAM

Abu Dhabi: The President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a message of congratulations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, on the occasion of the kingdom’s 88th National Day.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; and His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, also sent similar messages to King Salman.

Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates also sent similar messages to King Salman.

The UAE is celebrating the 88th Saudi National Day, which falls on September 23, with many events and activities that will witness popular demand and official participation.

This year’s celebration reflects the developments that have enabled Saudi Arabia to maintain its leading role in serving Arab and Islamic issues.

New era of development

Saudi Arabia began a new era of development — which includes structural reforms in many social and economic areas and is highlighted by the predictions of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding the 2 per cent growth to its economy and a 160 per cent trade balance increase.

The kingdom is also implementing its Vision 2030, which aims to reduce its dependency on oil by 50 per cent, by launching infrastructure projects in the electricity, energy, roads, water, transportation, construction and tourism sectors.

The UAE’s celebration and its official and popular participation in the Saudi National Day reflect the deep relations between the two countries, surpassing the concept of bilateral cooperation between two neighbouring countries.

The two nations have a strategic partnership, in keeping with their historical ties supported by blood, legacy and a common destiny.

Dealing with challenges, risks

The bilateral relationship is a stabilising force in dealing with the challenges and risks threatening Arab and Gulf security and the hurdles to achieving development and stability, marked by the situation in Yemen and issues with Iran.

Both countries have acquired significant international confidence, as their policies are characterised by wisdom and moderation when facing extremism and terrorism, encouraging dialogue between cultures and civilisations.

Relations between the two countries were established by the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and King Faisal Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who were keen to strengthen them and continue their ongoing coordination and cooperation on regional and international issues.

 

Bilateral relations have achieved important strategic successes during the last decade, to become an ideal model of Arab relations, and an example of mutual awareness of the nature of regional and international developments and the necessity of addressing them with consistent policies.

Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid expressed this conviction during the historic visit of King Salman to the UAE on December 6, 2016.

“The relations between Saudi Arabia and the UAE have exceeded the level of diplomatic relations and is more like the relationship between the arm and the back. We are asking Allah Almighty to protect this body,” Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid tweeted on his official account.

The UAE believes that Saudi Arabia is a stabilising force and protector against all threats and plans that aim to divide Arab countries.

This was clearly expressed by Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed, during the same historic visit, when he said: “The UAE has always believed that Saudi Arabia is a pillar of the Arab and Gulf regions, and its security and stability also ensures the security and stability of the UAE and other GCC and Arab countries.”

Arab nations will always remember the historic stance of King Salman and his efforts to counter foreign interference in the Arab region, Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed added.

UAE-Saudi Arabia ties have constantly progressed, reflecting the keenness of their leadership to cement relations by establishing the Joint Supreme Committee in May 2014, led by the ministers of foreign affairs of both countries.

This committee is responsible for implementing the strategic vision of their leadership, to achieve greater security and stability in facing regional challenges.

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Celebration of Saudi National Day at Jumeirah Beach Residences in Dubai. Image Credit: Antonin Kélian Kallouche/Gulf News
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