rooted relations between Saudi Arabia and the UAE; the strong bonds between the two countries draw their strength from blood, kinship, neighbor, language, and religion. These relations have been growing over the decades since Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan founded the UAE in the early 1970s; they have evolved — and continue to evolve — into a strong strategic fraternal partnership that resists the challenges globally and regionally. It is thus natural that the bonds between the two countries have reached this current status through unprecedented coordination, integrated action on vital issues, and a full understanding of the regional concerns and threats facing the two countries. The visit of Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, deputy premier and minister of defense, to the UAE reflects the strength of this relationship and has taken them to new heights, especially after the visit of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman to the UAE on Dec.4, 2016, providing a substantial boost to the brotherly relations. Therefore, the celebration and the unique welcome of Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, during the visit to the UAE, were overwhelming. The warmth of the welcome reflected the essential roles played by the Crown Prince in a number of areas that concern the region, such as coordination in oil markets, protecting the freedom of navigation in vital waterways, and to address the evils of Iran, and other issues in the region and the world. Undoubtedly, the relation between the two countries has been strengthened over the years, reaching a level of almost attaining a unified stance on all issues and a level of coordination that represents a unique model in international relations. These significant coordination and cooperation between the two nations were summed up by Prince Khalid Al-Faisal last September in his famous statement: "All Saudis are Emirati and All Emiratis are Saudi." It is also what was put in place by the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, when he recently said: "The UAE and Saudi Arabia are in a one-trench partnership and are facing together the challenges surrounding the region... The goal that unites us is the security of Saudi Arabia and the UAE and the stability of the region ... united is our destiny and our future." The paradigm shift in relations began with the formation of the Joint High Committee in May 2014, to implement the strategic visions of the leadership of the two countries, and to strengthen bilateral relations and joint Gulf cooperation. On June 7, 2018, the Saudi-UAE Coordination Council announced the follow up on the implementation of projects and programs. A joint strategy integration between the two countries — economic, development and military — was adopted through 44 projects, dubbed the "determination strategy". The Coordination Council is holding its second meeting under the leadership of Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman and the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed and this taking forward the joint mechanism for a concerted efforts in facing challenges and shaping a bright future is definite proof that relations have overcome challenges. Certainly, Saudi Arabia and UAE represent a unique model of cooperation in various fields, and with the same confident steps, they will achieve what their leadership aspires.
