Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed meet to discuss UAE affairs

Leaders have physically distanced meeting in Dubai to discuss handling of Covid-19 and other national issues

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Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, met in Dubai on Wednesday to discuss several national issues.

The two leaders spoke of ways to improve the quality of life in the Emirates for residents and citizens and how to make the Emirati community happy.

They also reviewed how the coronavirus outbreak was being managed in the UAE and discussed the country's economy.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said the UAE was among the best worldwide in terms of "government performance and controlling the Covid-19 crisis."

The pair lauded the efforts of medical staff and other front-line workers in the country to limit the spread of coronavirus and protect members of the community, reported state news agency Wam.

"Today, I met with my brother Mohammed bin Rashid and discussed our country's drive towards further achievements under the leadership of my brother Sheikh Khalifa. We also reviewed efforts to combat Covid-19 and plans to achieve more sustainable growth in the UAE," said Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed.

The two said adherence to safety measures mandated by the government was key to preventing further infections.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said overcoming the challenges posed by the virus required determination, patience and belief in Allah.

They also said it was important to support businesses across the country while still committing to relevant precautionary measures.

On Twitter, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said the country's economy was stable and the UAE was well perceived by the rest of the world.

"The international strategic weight of the UAE is twice as heavy as it was two years ago," he said.

"We are preparing for a new phase. And what comes next will be better and better."

The physically distanced meeting, held in a garden, was also attended by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai; Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region; Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior; and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.

All in attendance wore face masks and sat at least a metre apart.

The meeting came days after Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid paid tribute to his "brother" Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed in a poem titled The Lion.

Layered with multiple meanings, the language of the poem combined classical Arabic and elements of the local dialect, making it difficult to translate completely.

In the ode, he likened Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed's strength to that of a lion. He said Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed commanded respect and was well protected by his family and loved ones, should anyone try to attack him.

Describing the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi as his friend through times of peace and war, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid ended his poem by wishing "Bu Khaled" a long and prosperous life.