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, held on October 22 and 23 in Abu Dhabi.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the retreat focused on strategic projects and initiatives between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, covering areas of mutual interest. The event was attended by Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State and chair of the executive committee of the council on the UAE side, UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Omar Obaid Alhesan Alshamsi, Saudi Ministry of Economy and Planning Deputy Minister for International Economic Affairs Rakan Tarabzoni, and senior government officials from both nations.
Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan opened the retreat by expressing gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for their leadership and vision. He emphasized the importance of cooperation between the two nations for regional stability and prosperity.
He also conveyed thanks to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for his support of the Saudi-Emirati Coordination Council. Sheikh Shakhboot highlighted the council as a model of Arab cooperation, enhancing economic integration through shared solutions that focus on education, scientific research, and future technologies.
Sheikh Shakhboot noted that the bond between Saudi Arabia and the UAE transcends shared interests, reflecting a deep brotherly relationship and a unified vision for the future. He stressed the need for continued efforts and coordination in line with the leadership's directives for a unified Gulf and Arab cooperation model.
Tarabzoni stated that the 'Retreat of Resolve' underscores both countries' commitment to advancing joint initiatives. He emphasized the partnership between Saudi Arabia and the UAE as a shared vision for a prosperous future, with opportunities to deepen integration and strengthen economic ties.
Omar Obaid Alhesan Alshamsi remarked that the retreat represents the depth of historic relations and the strategic partnership between the UAE and Saudi Arabia. He noted that the event is a milestone for bilateral cooperation, offering a chance to enhance partnerships across sectors and explore new collaboration avenues.
During the retreat, Hesham Amiri from the UAE Prime Minister's Office presented on the Zero Government Bureaucracy Program, detailing efforts to streamline government procedures. A session on the governance of the Saudi-Emirati Coordination Council was also held, presented by Rozan bint Abdulraouf Naji and Abdulaziz Talib Al Habsi, addressing the council's operational frameworks.
The retreat included thematic sessions on initiatives proposed by integration committees in sectors such as energy, industry, infrastructure, finance and investment, environment, supply-chain security, and human development. Established in May 2016, the Saudi-Emirati Coordination Council is a partnership model at the Arab and regional levels, implementing strategic projects in shared priority areas to advance aspirations for a prosperous future.