UAE And Saudi Arabia Strengthen Ties At First Joint Consular Committee Meeting

The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia recently held the inaugural session of their Joint Consular Committee in Abu Dhabi. This meeting is part of the Saudi-Emirati Coordination Council's initiatives. It aims to strengthen the longstanding ties between the two nations, reinforcing a strategic partnership based on shared history and goals for national development.

Khaled Abdullah Belhoul, Under-Secretary of the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ambassador Ali bin Abdulrahman Al-Youssef, Under-Secretary of the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Consular Affairs, led the meeting. Khaled Belhoul conveyed greetings from H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, highlighting the exceptional relationship and strategic cooperation between both countries.

The discussions centred on enhancing consular cooperation to improve services for citizens and residents. This dialogue is timely given the rise in Saudi residents and visitors to the UAE. Between 2022 and 2023, there was a 20% increase in Saudi residents in the UAE, while Saudi visitors grew by 6%. Additionally, Saudi students studying in the UAE increased by 16%.

Both sides explored ways to improve consular services, such as facilitating travel and mobility. They also discussed strengthening digital consular services and developing innovative solutions for quick responses to citizens' needs. The commitment to mutual coordination was reaffirmed, addressing any challenges faced by citizens abroad.

Representatives from various UAE ministries participated in this meeting alongside their Saudi counterparts. These included officials from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Interior, and Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security. Their presence underscores the importance placed on enhancing bilateral relations through effective consular collaboration.

The meeting underscored a shared vision for future cooperation across various fields. The strategic partnership between these two nations is built on mutual interests and a common destiny. This collaboration aims to achieve national and developmental goals that benefit both countries' citizens.

This gathering highlights the deep-rooted fraternal relations between Saudi Arabia and the UAE. It reaffirms their commitment to a unified approach in addressing regional challenges while fostering growth and prosperity for their people.

With inputs from WAM