HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Al Bashir discuss fraternal ties

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, discussed with the Sudanese president Omar Hassan Ahmed al-Bashir, the fraternal relations, regional and international issues of mutual concern.

This came when Sheikh Mohamed received President al-Bashir and his accompanying delegation, currently on an official visit to the UAE.

Welcoming the Sudanese president and his accompanying delegation, Sheikh Mohamed said this visit would strengthen and consolidate the fraternal relations between the two countries, which enjoy the support of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

During the meeting, they discussed cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Sudan, focussing on the political, economic and developmental aspects in the light of the keenness of the two countries to strengthen and develop these relations in order to achieve their common interests.

Sheikh Mohamed noted that the UAE, led by Sheikh Khalifa, is working on revamping the historical relations laid down by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan with Sudan, according to the principles of brotherhood, cooperation and common interests, and to secure the mutual interests of the two peoples and the two countries, as well as enhance the economic development, trade, cultural cooperation and other important vital areas of cooperation.

The two sides reviewed a number of regional issues of mutual interest and the level of coordination and consultation between them.

They also stressed the interest of the two countries to strengthen the cooperation and develop it, especially in this critical phase of the history of the region, which is witnessing some dangerous turns threatening the security and stability of nations and peoples of the region.

The two sides reviewed the Arab coalition's Operation Restoring Hope in Yemen, led by Saudi Arabia, to maintain the security and stability of Yemen and support the legitimate government and the people of Yemen to rebuild their national institutions destroyed by the rebels and their allies.

Sheikh Mohamed praised the efforts of the Sudanese armed forces in the Arab coalition and their active participation in achieving the objectives of the coalition to restore the stability of Yemen and address concerns about security and stem the regional greed that threatens all.

For his part, President al-Bashir expressed his appreciation for the constructive role played by the UAE in supporting the Arab issues, particularly with regard to the security, stability and development.

He stressed Sudan's willingness to back steps that would preserve the Arab fabric's components and support the Arab unity, and spur development to ensure better prospects of serving the social and economic development and growth of the Arab peoples.

The two sides stressed the importance of building an Arab strategy to meet the challenges and ensure coordination to safeguard the security and stability of the region.

They also tackled the fight against extremism and terrorism, with the aim to eliminate terrorist groups and organisations which seek to shed blood, kill innocent people, spread chaos and sabotage and wreak destruction.

The meeting also dealt with the overall regional and international developments. They exchanged views on a number of issues of common concern.

Among others present were H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Western Region, Dr. Amal Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Speaker of the Federal National Council, H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor, Vice President of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi, H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister and Hamad Mohammed Humaid Al Junaibi, the UAE Ambassador to Sudan and a number of officials.

The Sudanese president was accompanied by a delegation comprising Prof. Ibrahim Ghandour, Foreign Minister, Badruddin Mahmoud Abbas, Minister of Finance, Eng. Moataz Musa Abdullah, Minister of Electricity and Water Resources, Dr. Fadul Abdullah Fadul, Minister of State at the Presidency and Lt. General Taha Al Hussein, Minister of State and Director of the Office of the President and a number of officials.