UAE leaders congratulate Saudi Arabia

Bonds of brotherhood strengthened as the kingdom celebrates its National Day

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President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a message of congratulation to King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz 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; His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces; His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah; His Highness Shaikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman; His Highness Shaikh Hamad Bin Mohammad Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah; His Highness Shaikh Saud Bin Rashid Al Mualla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Quwain; and His Highness Shaikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, ■ also sent similar

King Salman.

Saudi Arabia began a new era of development, which includes structural reforms in many social and economic areas, and 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 messages to its Vision 2030 programme, which aims to reduce its dependency on oil revenue 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 historic ties supported by blood, legacy and a common destiny. This relationship is a stabilising force in dealing with the challenges and risks threatening Arab and Gulf security.

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, yesterday. WAM

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