The Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman, has on Sunday arrived in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on a private visit, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
Upon his arrival, the Saudi Crown Prince was warmly received by the UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, and several senior Emirati officials.
HRH the Crown Prince Arrives in the United Arab Emirates on Private Visit#SPAGOV pic.twitter.com/YhFcezO97h
— SPAENG (@Spa_Eng) December 1, 2024
Saudi-UAE Close Relations
According to Emirates News Agency (WAM), both leaders held “cordial discussions reflecting the deep-rooted fraternal relations” between Saudi Arabia and the UAE and opportunities for strengthening development under the two countries’ strategic partnership.
During the meeting, both leaders stressed the importance of bolstering Gulf cooperation, reaffirming their shared commitment to enhancing joint Gulf efforts and strengthening the region’s security and stability.
Discussing Middle East Developments
Furthermore, the Saudi Crown Prince and the Emirati President reviewed the latest regional and international developments, focusing on the Middle East. In the light of this, they emphasized the need for concerted efforts to maintain the region’s stability and prevent it from descending into more crises.
Both leaders underscored the importance of pursuing a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace based on a two-state solution, ensuring stability and security for all, according to WAM.
Kuwait Declaration
Earlier on Sunday, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman headed Saudi Arabia’s delegation at the 45th summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Kuwait. The delegation included prominent Saudi Ministers, such as the Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, and the Energy Minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman.
At the end of the summit, GCC leaders issued the Kuwait Declaration, demanding an end to the ongoing Israeli war on Gaza. They called for ending “the crimes of killing and collective punishment in Gaza, the displacement of residents, and the destruction of civilian facilities and infrastructure, including health facilities, schools, and places of worship, in clear violation of international law and international humanitarian law.”
Moreover, they reiterated their “firm stances on the Palestinian cause, ending the occupation, and supporting the sovereignty of the Palestinian people over all occupied Palestinian territories since June 1967.” They also called for the establishment of an independent Palestinian State with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Commending Saudi Arabia’s Efforts
In the light of this, GCC leaders commended Saudi Arabia’s efforts to mobilize international action to stop the war in Gaza and implement the two-state solution in line with the Arab Peace Initiative, welcoming the resolutions of the Arab-Islamic Summit that Riyadh hosted on November 11, 2024.
Furthermore, they welcomed the Kingdom’s efforts in mobilizing support for the recognition of the State of Palestine and leading the international coalition to implement the two-state solution.
With regards to Lebanon, the GCC leaders condemned the continued Israeli aggression and warned against the consequences of expanding the conflict for regional and international peace and security.
