Abu Dhabi, January 6, 2020, SPA -- The United Arab Emirates has welcomed the formation of the Council of Arab and African States Bordering the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said that the newly formed council is slated to enhance stability, cooperation, and coordination between the seven Arab and African countries bordering the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden and across the region as a whole. The UAE Ministry expressed its appreciation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's diplomatic efforts, adding that the Kingdom played a pivotal role in the formation of the Council of Arab and African States Bordering the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. --SPA 18:38 LOCAL TIME 15:38 GMT 0022 www.spa.gov.sa/w1241500