Abu dhabi: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the Ministry of Economy and Planning, participated in the third 'Retreat of Resolve' of the Saudi-Emirati Coordination Council, which convened on October 22 and 23 in Abu Dhabi.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the retreat focused on discussing strategic projects and initiatives between Saudi Arabia and the UAE across areas of mutual interest. The event was attended by key figures including Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State and chair of the executive committee of the council on the UAE side, Omar Obaid Alhesan Alshamsi, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Rakan Tarabzoni, Deputy Minister for International Economic Affairs of the Saudi Ministry of Economy and Planning, and other senior officials from both nations.
Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, in his opening remarks, expressed gratitude towards King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for their leadership and strategic vision. He emphasized the importance of the cooperation between the two nations as a foundation for regional stability and prosperity.
He further extended appreciation to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud for his support of the Saudi-Emirati Coordination Council, highlighting the strong relationship and united vision shared by the countries. Sheikh Shakhboot stated that the council serves as a model of Arab cooperation, fostering economic integration through shared solutions in education, scientific research, and future technologies.
Rakan Tarabzoni echoed these sentiments, noting that the 'Retreat of Resolve' demonstrates a commitment to advancing joint initiatives with clear frameworks for measurable outcomes. He described the partnership between the Kingdom and the UAE as one of destiny and shared vision, emphasizing that the next stage will bring opportunities to deepen integration and economic ties.
Omar Obaid Alhesan Alshamsi remarked on the historic relations and strategic partnership between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, noting that the retreat marked a significant milestone in bilateral cooperation. He highlighted the opportunity to strengthen partnerships across sectors and explore new collaborative avenues.
During the retreat, Hesham Amiri, Executive Director for Service Development at the Office of the UAE Prime Minister, presented on the UAE's Zero Government Bureaucracy Program. A session on the governance of the Saudi-Emirati Coordination Council was also held, featuring insights from Rozan bint Abdulraouf Naji of the Saudi Ministry of Economy and Planning and Abdulaziz Talib Al Habsi of the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The retreat included thematic sessions on proposed initiatives in key sectors such as energy, industry, infrastructure, finance, and human development. The Saudi-Emirati Coordination Council, established in May 2016, aims to strengthen integration across sectors and advance the aspirations of both nations for a prosperous future.