UAE president, Saudi defense chief discuss relations, regional developments

​​​​​​​By Iyad Nabolsi

ISTANBUL (AA) - United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud held discussions Tuesday on relations and regional developments, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM).

The meeting in Abu Dhabi explored “the deep-rooted relations between the two countries and ways to advance cooperation in all fields to support their common interests and achieve the aspirations of their peoples for development and prosperity.”

The talks also addressed “developments in the Middle East, regional and international issues of shared interest, and the importance of enhancing efforts to maintain regional security, peace, and stability.”

The region has been destabilized by Israel's actions, including the genocide campaign in the Gaza Strip for more than 15 months, a destructive war on Lebanon, airstrikes on Yemen and Syria, and military exchanges with Iran.

In addition to ties, the UAE and Saudi Arabia are members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which also includes Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain. Founded May 25, 1981, the GCC is headquartered in Riyadh.

*Writing by Mohammad Sio