'Brotherly' relationship hailed as Saudi Arabia Crown Prince arrives in the UAE

Abu Dhabi is Mohammed bin Salman's first stop on a regional trip

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, third left, receives Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman at the Presidential Airport. All photos by Ministry of Presidential Affairs

The leaders stand for the national anthems. Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Prince Mohammed bin Salman is beginning a regional tour.

The UAE is his first stop

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed described the UAE and Saudi's brotherly ties and strong relationship.

Sheikh Mohamed tweeted "we're proud of our deep-rooted ties" with Saudi Arabia as he welcomed Prince Mohammed to the country.

In conversation during the welcoming ceremony at the Presidential airport, the two leaders re-affirmed their strategic cooperation is based on a robust foundation of mutual trust and understanding and common interest.

"UAE-Saudi relations are an exceptional role model for brotherly ties that go down to the annals of history," said Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed on WAM.

There was no further information about Mohamed bin Salman's itinerary of travel or the purpose of his trip.

At the end of the month, the Saudi Crown Prince is scheduled to attend the G20 Summit in Argentina.

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi have discussed their countries' strong relationship in a meeting in the UAE on Thursday evening.

An official reception ceremony was held upon Prince Mohammed's arrival at the Presidential Airport, Wam reported, which is the first in a tour of Arab neighbours. The Saudi national anthem was played and the prince was given a 21-artillery gun salute.

Sheikh Mohamed tweeted "we're proud of our deep-rooted ties" with Saudi Arabia as he welcomed Prince Mohammed to the country.

Sheikhs, ministers and senior officials welcomed him to the UAE, Wam said.

Prince Mohammed was accompanied from Saudi Arabia by a delegation of princes, ministers and other top officials.

In conversation during the welcoming ceremony at the Presidential airport, the two leaders re-affirmed their strategic cooperation is based on a robust foundation of mutual trust and understanding and common interest.

They exchanged views on a series of issues, including the threats and challenges faced by the Middle East and their impact on the stability and security of the region's peoples.

"UAE-Saudi relations are an exceptional role model for brotherly ties that go down to the annals of history," said Sheikh Mohamed.

"They are firmly based on mutual respect and joint determination to achieve the ambitions of their two peoples for sustainable development, social welfare and economic wellbeing."

He also complimented the Kingdom for taking on a "pivotal role" in security and development efforts in the region.

At the end of the talks both leaders emphasised that the robust partnership between the two countries is a strong pillar for joint Arab security.

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The UAE visit is part of a trip to neighbouring countries, the Saudi Press Agency said.

“At the direction of King Salman, [the] Crown Prince Mohammed leaves today to visit a number of brotherly Arab countries," a brief statement on SPA's Arabic Twitter account read.

There was no further information about his itinerary of travel or the purpose of his trip.

At the end of the month, the Saudi Crown Prince is scheduled to attend the G20 Summit in Argentina.

These trips will be seen as crucial towards strengthening Riyadh’s relationships with key allies amid a difficult political period.

On Twitter, a hashtag titled #محمد_بن_سلمان_منور_الإمارات ( Welcome Mohammed Bin Salman in UAE) started to trend.