Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed meets Saudi Arabian king in Riyadh

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed meets with Saudi Arabia's King Salman in Riyadh and the talks focus on boosting ties for security, stability and to address the dangers of terrorism and extremism.

ABU DHABI // Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy ­Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, discussed ways to strengthen ties between the UAE and Saudi Arabia during a meeting with the kingdom’s monarch, King Salman, in ­Riyadh on Friday.

King Salman, custodian of the two holy mosques, welcomed the delegation led by Sheikh Mohammed and expressed satisfaction at the co-operation between the two countries.

Sheikh Mohammed spoke of the solidarity between the nations when confronted by challenges in the region. He also dwelt on their shared vision to achieve security, stability and address the dangers of terrorism and extremism, according to Wam, the state news agency.

“Saudi Arabia is a safety valve, given its efforts to defend Arab interests and its commitment to the cohesion and unity,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

The need to strengthen strategic cooperation on security, safeguard common interests and enhance the efforts of the Gulf Cooperation Council for the Arab States were discussed at the meeting.

King Salman also asked Sheikh Mohammed to convey his greetings to the President, Sheikh Khalifa, wished him good health and progress to the people of the UAE.

King Salman hosted a banquet in honour of Sheikh Mohammed and the UAE delegation.

UAE officials were received at the King Salman Air Base by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz, first deputy prime minister and minister of interior, Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, minister of defence, and officials.

The UAE delegation to Riyadh included Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed, National Security Adviser, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, Saqr Ghobash, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State and senior officials.