UAE hails Saudi move to set up group for Arab, African nations

Arabian Business. 12/14/2018

UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs describes the move as a pioneering initiative to develop common Arab and regional action

The UAE has welcomed the announcement by Saudi Arabia of plans to establish the Arab and African Coastal States of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden group.

The UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs described the move as a pioneering initiative to develop common Arab and regional action and safeguard security and protection for the region.

Dr Anwar Gargash said in comments published by state news agency WAM that the Saudi efforts to maintain stability and co-operation in the Red Sea region are inspiring and that the initiative in itself is a diplomatic success for the countries of the region.

This promising development enhances peace and prosperity in the region, he said.

He added that agreement on the idea of establishing such an entity would contribute to protecting international trade and international shipping movements and would enhance security, investment and development of these countries.

His comments follow a meeting between Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and foreign ministry officials from Egypt, Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen and Jordan in Riyadh.

Gulf states have been taking a more active role in the Horn of Africa, which got a special mention in the communique issued at the end of Sunday’s Gulf Cooperation Council summit.