ABU DHABI: Saudi Shoura Council Speaker Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Asheikh held talks with UAE Federal National Council Speaker Saqr Ghobash in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. The two parties discussed the importance of cooperation on issues of common concern in both international and regional forums. Al-Asheikh noted the depth and extended history of Saudi-Emirati ties, pointing out that his visit to the UAE is proof of the keenness of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to support the Gulf’s Joint Action Process. He praised the UAE’s leadership, represented by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, and underlined the importance of strengthening parliamentary relations between the Shoura Council and the Federal National Council. He also highlighted the importance of activating the agreement to establish the Parliamentary Friendship Association in order to achieve effective communication and cooperation between the two bodies. Ghobash, for his part, likewise referenced the strong, historical ties binding the UAE and Saudi Arabia, reinforced by common interests and compatible visions. He added that the governments of both countries were eager to translate these ties into constructive initiatives through the establishment of the Saudi-Emirati Coordination Council, which operates according to a joint strategy involving the employment of commercial and investment potentials to advance and sustain development.