Dubai: The strong Abu Dhabi crown son visited Saudi Arabia for a meeting with Prince Crown Mohammed bin Salman on Monday for weeks of speculation that grew between the two leaders.
It happens when their country competes for business, regional investment and excellence.
The meeting between Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, 60, and Prince Mohammed bin Salman, 35, also came a day after their energy minister announced a compromise of the oil production quota that was preceded by rare public comments between OPEC allies.
The two prince, whose nations sit on oil reserves, are seen as de-facto leaders from each of their countries.
They oversee the armed forces of their country and take control of the intelligence and foreign policy.
Their meeting in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, was attended by tight circles of three top officials from each side.
The state-owned Saudi Press Agency reported several details about the meeting, described it as a discussion of “relations of brotherhood who rooted between the two countries” and “the latest regional and international developments.” The news agency reported that Prince Crown Mohammed bin Salman personally welcomed Sheikh Mohamed bin Zay after his arrival to Riyadh.
The two princes had shared a bond like a brotherhood, reportedly spent time on a hunting trip in the desert when Prince Crown Abu Dhabi guided the heir of an ambitious and insolent Saudi Arabian throne to the throne.
Prince Mohammed worked to model aspects of the transformation of the kingdom for the success of the United Arab Emirates.
So close is the two de-facto leaders launched by Saudi Arabia and the UAE into the war in Yemen and cut the bond with Qatar neighbor together.
At the end of 2017, the two countries announced new partnerships to coordinate in all fields of military, politics, economics, trade and culture.
However, in several newer years, increasing political differences arise, especially those related to battle in Yemen and relations with Qatar.
This has pushed some analysts to speculate tensions behind the scenes between two strong princes.
But on Monday, the news agency Run-Run UAE said the meeting in Riyadh explored ways “to improve developing relationships and strategic cooperation” between the two countries.