By Hussein Shobokshi
RELATIONS between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have strengthened and gradually converged into a deep and strategic partnership with the passage of time because the two nations have realized the trust and responsibility of their relationship and the common themes that bring them together. Saudi Arabia has chosen the UAE to be its strategic partner. It is no secret about Saudi Arabia’s admiration for the popular emirates for their enormous successes in various fields and the government’s distinctive position with its people and its relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as well.
“The Retreat of Resolve” initiative was launched in Abu Dhabi recently. It is a joint initiative put forth by the Saudi-UAE Coordination Council that was set up and launched by the Custodian of the Holy Mosques King Salman Bin Abdulaziz and UAE President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan. The Council includes joint task teams concerned with several sectors and fields which will hold series of periodic meetings in the coming period to step up bilateral strategic cooperation on issues of mutual concern.
The two countries did not continue with the popular pro-unity style, as followed by some of the states during a certain period of time which proved to be unsuccessful as it was built on the objectives to suit the interests of the ruling party and not the interests of the people.
Instead of expecting quick results for both between the countries, the other option of continued growth and balanced coordination and escalating in a larger areas would be better, including the expansion of the area of attention and devotion of greater confidence. It is a new and an unprecedented move and the application of mind after the brainstorming sessions that brings out creative ideas and creative productivity that serves the society and improves the quality of life and accessibility to all.
The inspiring and important idea is to open the way to establish the council as a model for cooperation and integration among nations, reflecting the two countries’ determination to consolidate relations through cooperation in a wide range of fields to achieve common interests and enhance the prospects of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states.
The two strong nations have the urge for development, growth and union in the Gulf region. Saudi Arabia holds an important position in the region and specifically the UAE has the hunger for success and excellence, creativity and inspiration. The integration of their relationship is required and the successful joint ventures between the two countries, for example, the “Operation Decisive Storm” that has brought them together with the sweat and blood of their men who are defending their countries for a common cause, is a great model of their relationship that binds them together in a respectable way.
The “Retreat of Resolve” is a symbolic idea and it is a pleasant surprise and good news to people of both the countries because it is a practical solution to achieving common goals of both the nations and this practical coordination is an unprecedented step going forward.
