Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, discussed with Senegalese President Macky Sall on Thursday bilateral ties between the two countries and ways of developing them in all areas, as well as the latest developments in the Middle East and Africa and regional and international topics of mutual concern. Bilateral ties between the UAE and Senegal have been strong since 1973 and have witnessed significant development, Sheikh Mohamed told his guest, noting that the UAE has become Senegal’s leading trade partner in the Arab region while Senegal is a key partner for the UAE in West Africa. He then praised the efforts of the Joint Emirati-Senegalese Committee to strengthen bilateral action between the two countries, highlighting their cooperation in innovation and sustainable development. "This cooperation was demonstrated by the selection of Senegal as the regional headquarters of the Mohamed bin Zayed Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship established by the UAE," Sheikh Mohamed stated. The UAE aims, in cooperation with the international community, to maintain regional and international security and stability, and is looking forward to witnessing Senegal’s key role in promoting peaceful solutions to the crises witnessed by the region, he said. "The UAE appreciates your role, through the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, OIC, in supporting Islam and Muslim causes,” added Sheikh Mohamed. Sall highlighted the strong ties between the two countries and thanked Sheikh Mohamed for supporting their development. He then thanked the UAE for backing Senegal, through the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, adding that its projects have benefited the youth and women, especially the Mohamed bin Zayed Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Sall highlighted the UAE’s cooperation with Senegal in combating terrorism and violence that kill innocent people in many areas in Africa, as well as for its contributions to the "Dakar Center for Security and Peace." He then stressed that Senegal, along with the UAE, affirms that Islam is a religion of peace, mercy and moderation, explaining that Senegal is open to Emirati Investments. Sheikh Mohamed and Sall witnessed on Thursday the signing of several agreements and Memorandums of Understanding, MoUs, between several authorities and institutions from the UAE and Senegal. The agreements aim to enhance the cooperation between the two countries in the areas of government development and modernization, education, enterprise development and counter-terrorism, as well as their technical, military and humanitarian cooperation.