Dr. Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Bishr, Saudi Arabia Ambassador to the UAE, has said that the UAE's celebrations of the Kingdom's 87th National Day underscores the strength of relations between the two nations, highlights the principles of unity between the brotherly countries, and the spread of giving and peace throughout the world.

In an interview with the Emirates News Agency, WAM, Dr. Al Bishr said that the solid foundations on which Saudi-UAE relations are evident in all international forums that deal with issues in the Arab world.

He added that the relations between the two brotherly countries share a common goal that renounces violence, extremism and terrorism, adheres to correct Islamic teachings, abides by international laws and norms, and contributes to peace and love throughout the world.

The ambassador highlighted the strong ties between the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, which represent a genuine and sincere example of brotherhood and cooperation across various fields.

He added that the love and cohesion that we see from the people of the UAE in various aspects of celebrating the Saudi National Day presents an important message: that we are one family and one people with a goal of spreading peace and tolerance across the world.

Dr. Al Bishr stressed that the strategic relations between the two countries constitute a fundamental pillar of collective security in the GCC and Arab national security. The Kingdom's Ambassador to the UAE explained that the sons of Saudi Arabia and the UAE had sacrificed their lives to support the Republic of Yemen with no other purpose but to restore legitimacy, raise the banner of truth and maintain the security and stability of the region.

He explained that the relations between the two brotherly countries are progressing in parallel across political, economic, security sectors, among others. Dr. Al Bishr highlighted the results of said relations, adding that total non-oil trade exchange between the two countries reached US$19.5 billion in 2016. Saudi Arabia's direct investment in the UAE estimated at $4.5 billion at the end of 2015, with more than 2,942 Saudi brands registered at the UAE's Ministry of Economy, he added.

The Saudi ambassador said that the value of UAE investments in the Kingdom was estimated at AED15 billion, while trade exchange between the two countries reached AED84 billion.

He added that Saudi Arabia and the UAE have excellent export capabilities and represent the two largest economies in the Arab world with a total national output of up to US$1 trillion, with future growth outlooks that encompass Saudi Vision 2030 and UAE Vision 2021.