Saladin and Richard the Lionheart had an extremely good relationship. How common was this in Europe, Asia and Africa during this time?

by Divorcefrenchodad

They exchanged letters, debated theology, sent gifts. Saladin sent his personal physician when Richard was unwell. Meanwhile Richard tried several times to meet up and hang out with Saladin.

How common would this type of enemy commander relationship be at the time? Was it common knowledge; if so, how did the others on either side feel about it?

WelfOnTheShelf

The idea that they had an "extremely good relationship" is a bit overblown I would say, and since it's mostly a modern invention, contemporaries don't really say anything about it. I don't know if I can talk about how common it was in general, but I've written a bit about Saladin's relationship with Richard and other kings in some previous answers:

When Richard the Lionheart and Saladin entered into treaty negotiations, would they both be there in person and speak or was it down on paper?

What did Saladin think of Richard the Lionheart and Baldwin IV?

During the Third Crusade, both Conrad of Montferrat and Guy of Lusignan opened negotiations with Saladin for support of their separate claims to the throne of Jerusalem. Why would either of them seek support from Saladin, a man fully intent on destroying the Kingdom of Jerusalem entirely?