In 2014, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the two leading members of the GCC, formed a joint committee to achieve the strategic visions of the two countriesвЂ™ leaders, to overcome challenges and strengthen relations.

Deep religious and cultural ties link the six states, and strong kin relations prevail among their citizens,вЂќ according to the official website. The creation of the GCC вЂњwas not a product of the moment but an institutional embodiment of a historical, social and cultural reality. In 1981, on the strength of their centuries-old ties, and common economic and strategic visions, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar created the Gulf Cooperation Council. (SPA)Д®ach generation of leaders has built on the foundation laid under the leadership of Sheikh Zayed Al-Nahyan, founding father of the UAE, and King Faisal bin Abdul Aziz, his Saudi counterpart, when bilateral cooperation began to expand.Дuring one of his Umrah trips to the Kingdom,В Sheikh ZayedВ described the relationship between the twoВ neighborsВ this way: вЂњThe UAE is with Saudi Arabia through its heart and soul, and we believe that we have one destiny, and that we have to act as one and stand by each other.вЂќ When Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Abu DhabiвЂ™s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed last met in Riyadh in July this year, they explored avenues for enhancing Saudi-UAE ties and strategic cooperation.Д®ach generation of leaders has built on the foundation laid under the leadership of Sheikh Zayed Al-Nahyan, founding father of the UAE, and King Faisal bin Abdul Aziz, his Saudi counterpart.

вЂњThe UAE believes that the developmental journey of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, led by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is remarkable, and contributes to the overall progress and growth of the region.вЂќ вЂњThe UAE and Saudi Arabia maintain a strategic partnership based on the same objectives and vision for regional prosperity, security and stability,вЂќ Al-Marar said. Under the leadership of King Salman, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Saudi-UAE bilateral ties have grown into a comprehensive strategic partnership. Working together, we continue to build upon the deep ties of friendship and cooperation that exist between the UAE and Saudi Arabia while contributing to the strength and stability of the region. I am pleased to welcome my brother, Mohammed bin Salman, to the UAE. вЂњThe visit by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman comes as part of enduring efforts to deepen strategic cooperation and coordination between our two countries on local, regional, and international issues, reflecting the shared visions and policies of our two countriesвЂ™ leaderships,вЂќ Khalifa Shaheen Al-Marar, UAE minister of state, told Arab News. The continuity of that decades-old process is epitomized by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin SalmanвЂ™s visit to Abu Dhabi, the second stop inВ a tour of Gulf states ahead of the annual Gulf Cooperation Council summit this month. The depth of the bilateral relationship, however, owes much to regular official exchanges, reciprocal visits by royals, and high-level summits that have taken place over the years.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and the UAE, two Gulf Arab countries bound by strong familial, religious, cultural and commercial ties, have enjoyed a fraternal relationship for most of their modern existence.

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