King Mohammed to pay friendship visit to UAE

Morocco's King Mohammed VI will start on Saturday a friendship visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), after his present visit to India.

The king will be meeting the UAE president, Sheikh Zayed Ben Soltane Al Nahyane, and top officials of the Gulf country.

Talks will survey bilateral relations and other issues of common concern, topped by Arab and Islamic causes.

The royal visit, taking place as the UAE people are celebrating the return of their head of state from abroad where he underwent medical tests, will also be an opportunity for the king to congratulate Sheikh Zayed on his recovery and highlight the depth of brotherly ties between the two states and peoples.

The two states have maintained permanent consultations, understanding, solidarity and mutual support, say observers noting the moderation and realism which have been marking stances of the two states and their commitment for the defense of Arab and Islamic causes, mainly the Palestinian cause and Al-Quds Asharif (Jerusalem).

Observers also recall the personal ties that existed between the late King Hassan II and the UAE president.

On the economic level, UAE funds are contributing to several projects in Morocco while the two states' chambers of commerce, industry and services are also enjoying fruitful cooperation.

The joint ministerial commission is scheduled to meet shortly in Rabat to assess bilateral cooperation and prospect ways to develop it further.