Mohamed bin Zayed holds talks with King of Morocco

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, yesterday held talks with His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco, focussing on mutual strong brotherly relations, strategic cooperation, and regional and international issues of common interest.

Earlier, the King of Morocco, who is paying an official visit to the country, was accorded an official reception at Al Mushrif Palace.

Sheikh Mohamed, King Mohammed VI and Prince Moulay Rachid of Morocco stood on the podium of honour, while the UAE and Moroccan national anthems were being played. A 21-gun salute was also fired in honour of the guest.

Following the ceremony, Sheikh Mohamed accompanied King Mohammed to the main hall of the palace, where the Crown Prince shook hands with senior Moroccan officials while the King of Morocco shook hands with the welcoming Sheikhs, ministers and senior officials.

At the beginning of the talks, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed welcomed King Mohammed VI and his accompanying delegation, expressing his pleasure at the visit, wishing it would strengthen the fraternal ties and joint strategic cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and the sisterly Kingdom of Morocco.

The two sides reviewed ways of strengthening the close brotherly relations between the two countries in various fields and mechanisms to enhance them to wider horizons in line with the visions of the leadership of the two countries, which aims to deepen the brotherly relations and strengthening the foundations of cooperation, solidarity and diverse partnerships.

During the meeting, they discussed issues of common interest in the political, economic and developmental areas, as well as expansion of cooperation issues through the establishment of further initiatives and partnerships that serve the aspirations of the two countries and the two brotherly peoples.

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi stressed that the relations between the UAE and Morocco, which were established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the late King Hassan II, go smoothly based on the strong ties of brotherhood, love and a variety of rules that are in the mutual and beneficial interests of both countries. He added that the same approach is being followed by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Majesty King Mohammed VI of the Kingdom of Morocco in laying the foundations of typical, sophisticated, fruitful, solid and distinct strategic relations and partnership between the two countries.

He added that the mutual visits reflect the keenness of the two countries to continuously strengthen and develop their cooperation in various political, economic and trade domains and development of existing fields according to the principles of consultation, coordination and exchange of views and perspectives.

Sheikh Mohamed said that "what unites the UAE and Morocco is a long history of cooperation and joint fraternal relationship," wishing Morocco and its people more progress and prosperity under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.

He added that the two countries through their balanced policies represent stability and prosperity in their Arab surroundings. "We seek to employ this policy for the Arab world, which is looking forward to an ambitious international position."

On his part, King Mohammed VI expressed his appreciation to the UAE President and his interest in establishing the distinguished relations with the Kingdom of Morocco. He expressed his satisfaction with the high level of bilateral cooperation in all fields.

The two sides stressed at the conclusion of the talks that the bilateral brotherly relations between the UAE and Morocco "are deep-rooted as they enjoy strong support from the leadership of the two countries. The relations reflect the principles underlying relationship built on cooperation, solidarity, collaboration and mutual respect." They expressed their satisfaction and pride in the strength of the bilateral partnership as the two countries look forward to more achievements in all fields.

They noted that the two countries share views on regional and international issues and back regional and international efforts to restore security and stability to the region and ensure values of peace, tolerance and co-existence.

The two sides stressed the firm conviction of the two countries that consultation and coordination are critical in unifying visions towards common positions regarding the joint Arab work and fraternal solidarity to tackle the challenges that affect the national security of the Arab countries, including the risks posed by the terrorist organisations and regional ambitions.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed conferred on King Mohammed VI the Order of Zayed as an expression of durability and depth of brotherly relations between the UAE and the Kingdom of Morocco, and also in recognition of the efforts of the King of Morocco to promote and support the historical ties between the two sisterly countries. This medal is the UAE's highest honour granted to kings and heads of state.

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi hosted a luncheon in honour of the King of Morocco and the accompanying delegation, on the occasion of the official state visit.
Source: WAM