By NNN-WAM
Riyadh : The United Arab Emirates and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have signed an agreement allowing UAE and Saudi nationals to travel between the two countries using ID cards.
The signing ceremony was attended by Prince Mohammed bin Naif bin Abdul Aziz, Saudi Interior Minister’s Assistant for Domestic Affairs.
The agreement was signed Tuesday at the Saudi Interior Ministry by Major General Mohammed Salim Al Khaily, Director of Immigration and Naturalisation Department and Major General Salim bin Fahd Al Belaihid, Director General of Saudi Immigration.
By virtue of the agreement, citizens of Saudi Arabia and UAE will need only a valid identity card instead of a passport to travel between the two countries. The agreement will take effect 30 days after the signing date.
Al Belaihid described the agreement as the culmination of the resolutions made by the GCC Supreme Council, which call for easing entry to the GCC citizens to member countries.
In a statement to WAM, Al Asri bin Saeed Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, said the agreement stems from the keenness of President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz al Saud and the leaders of the GCC countries to facilitate inter-GCC travelling for their citizens.
Abdul Rahman bin Hamad Al Attiyah, GCC Secretary General said the agreement would further strengthen fraternal bonds between citizens of GCC countries and help boost economic and commercial integration, as well as cultural and social interaction.