Qatar's emir discusses boosting ties with UAE vice president

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani discussed on Sunday with UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashed Al-Maktoum issues of joint concern, the Qatari News Agency said. The talks between the Emir and Sheikh Mohammad dealt with means of cementing bilateral ties and cooperation in various sectors, it said, indicating the UAE vice president was accompanied by officials on his visit to the country. Sheikh Tamim held a banquet in honor of Sheikh Mohammad and his entourage. The UAE vice president and premier arrived in Doha earlier on Sunday and was received by Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Bin Khalifa Al-Thani. Qatar and the UAE are member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) which includes Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain. These countries have made strides in close coordination since the GCC establishment in the early 80s.