ABU DHABI // Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, on Monday gave the UAE’s highest honour for kings and heads of state to Morocco’s King Mohammed VI.
The Order of Zayed was given in recognition of King Mohammed’s efforts to promote and support historical links between the two countries.
Sheikh Mohammed, also Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and the king held talks that centred on strategic cooperation, and regional and international issues of common interest.
King Mohammed was earlier welcomed to the capital with an official reception at Al Mushrif Palace. The UAE and Moroccan national anthems were played and a 21-gun salute was fired, the state news agency Wam reported.
Sheikh Mohammed said he hoped the visit would strengthen ties and strategic cooperation between both countries.
“What unites the UAE and Morocco is a long history of cooperation and joint fraternal relationship,” he said, while wishing Morocco and its people progress and prosperity under the leadership of their king.
The balanced policies of both countries represented stability and prosperity, Sheikh Mohammed said. “We seek to employ this policy for the Arab world, which is looking forward to an ambitious international position.”
Both nations reviewed paths to strengthen existing links in various fields, in line with the vision of their leaderships, which aim to deepen relations through cooperation, solidarity and diverse partnerships.
Issues of common interest in political, economic and developmental areas were also discussed at the meeting, along with increasing cooperation through further initiatives and partnerships.
Close ties established by the founder of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed, and the late King Hassan II of Morocco are based on brotherhood, love and the mutual interest of both countries, Sheikh Mohammed said.
The same approach is being followed by the President, Sheikh Khalifa, and King Mohammed, to lay the foundations for a solid partnership.
King Mohammed also expressed his appreciation and satisfaction with the high-level cooperation.
The two sides said ties between the UAE and Morocco were “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”.
Both sides stressed that consultation and coordination were critical to tackling challenges affecting the national security of Arab countries, including risks posed by terrorist organisations and regional ambitions.
newsdesk@thenational.ae