ABU DHABI – Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) emphasized the need to abide by the OPEC+ agreement by all the countries which are parties to it with continuing their mutual cooperation. In a joint statement issued at the end of the two-day state visit of Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman to UAE here on Wednesday, the two countries lauded their close cooperation in the field of energy and the successful efforts of the OPEC+ countries in boosting the stability of the global oil market. The Kingdom and UAE stressed the importance of carrying out studies about enhancing cooperation in joint projects in the oil, gas and petrochemical sectors, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Regarding the climate change, the two countries welcomed the strengthening of the existing cooperation on the implementation of the circular carbon economy approach launched by the Kingdom during its Presidency of G20. The statement noted that the G20 group approved the approach as an integrated and comprehensive framework to address the challenges arising from greenhouse gas emissions and their management through innovative technologies as an economically sustainable way to manage emissions. On its part, the UAE noted the comprehensiveness of the local, regional and global gains of the Green Middle East initiative launched by Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman in confronting the climate change phenomenon. Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman congratulated the UAE for its successful hosting of Expo 2020 Dubai. For his part, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan pledged UAE's support to the Kingdom in its bid to host Expo 2030. The two sides emphasized the contents of the Al-Ula Declaration of January 5, 2021 which stipulated the full implementation of the Vision of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman that was approved by the Supreme Council at its 36th session in December 2015 in accordance with a specific timetable and careful follow-up. The King's Vision includes completing the elements of economic unity and the joint defense and security systems; coordinating positions in a way that enhances the solidarity and stability of the GCC countries and enhances their regional role through unifying political positions; developing political partnerships with the international community, regional and international organizations, and fostering strength and cohesion of the GCC states and unity among its members. On the Yemeni issue, the two countries affirmed the congruence of their views on continuing their efforts to find a comprehensive political solution to the Yemeni crisis in accordance with the terms of reference represented in the Gulf initiative and its executive mechanism, as well as the outcomes of the Comprehensive National Dialogue Conference, Security Council Resolution No. 2216, and the initiative of Saudi Arabia to end the Yemeni crisis in a manner that safeguards the unity and integrity of Yemen. While rejecting any interference in Yemen's internal affairs, the Kingdom and UAE stressed the need to complete the implementation of the Riyadh Agreement. They condemned the continued targeting by the terrorist Houthi militia of airports, civilians, and vital installations in the Kingdom. On the Lebanese issue, the two sides stressed the need to carry out comprehensive political and economic reforms in order to ensure that Lebanon can overcome its crises, and confine arms to the legitimate state institutions. They emphasized that Lebanon will not be a launching pad for any terrorist acts and an incubator for organizations and groups that target the security and stability of the region such as the terrorist Hezbollah, and a source of the drug scourge that threatens the safety of societies in the region and the world as well. The Kingdom and UAE also stressed the importance of dealing seriously and effectively with Iran's nuclear and missile file with all its components and its repercussions in a way that contributes to achieving regional and international security and stability. They emphasized the principles of good neighborliness and respect for UN resolutions and international legitimacy, and protect the region from all destabilizing activities and interventions. They called on the concerned parties to take into account the interests, security and stability of the countries of the region. With regard to Afghanistan, the Kingdom and UAE stressed the need to support security and stability in Afghanistan and not allow to turn it safe havens for terrorists and extremists. They condemned any acts aimed at recruiting Afghan refugees for various conflict areas. The two sides expressed the importance of supporting relief efforts and humanitarian work in Afghanistan. The statement noted that UAE appreciated the initiative taken by Saudi Arabia to convene an extraordinary ministerial meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries to discuss the situation in Afghanistan, which will be held in Pakistan on December 19. Saudi Arabia also lauded the efforts of the UAE in the operation of evacuations from Afghanistan.
