President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and the Premier Li Qiang commented on this year’s 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the UAE and China, reports Asian Lite News
President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Chinese Premier Li Qiang discussed various aspects of cooperation and joint efforts to enhance and expand the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.
During the talks at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi, Premier Li conveyed to Sheikh Mohamed the greetings of Chinese President Xi Jinping, along with his best wishes for the UAE’s continued progress and the further strengthening of the bilateral relationship between the two nations.
Sheikh Mohamed welcomed the visit of Premier Li and his accompanying delegation, conveying his heartfelt greetings to President Xi Jinping and extending his congratulations on the upcoming anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, celebrated on 1st October. Sheikh Mohamed expressed his confidence that this visit would advance the strategic partnership between the two countries, in line with their shared commitment to advancing collaboration across all sectors.
The two sides reviewed the progress of bilateral cooperation, particularly in the areas of the economy, trade, investment, industry, renewable energy, and sustainability, as well as education and culture, which remain priorities for both nations’ development strategies.
Sheikh Mohamed and the Chinese Premier commented on this year’s 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the UAE and China, noting that during that time both sides have fostered a close partnership that contributes to the sustainable development of both nations and the prosperity of their peoples.
The President reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to further strengthening its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with China in a manner that aligns with the developmental aspirations of both nations.
The two sides exchanged views on several regional and international issues of mutual concern, emphasising the importance of all efforts to promote peace and stability worldwide. They underscored the need to resolve conflicts through peaceful means and diplomatic channels, stressing the importance of international cooperation in addressing global challenges.
Both leaders highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation and coordination within the common international frameworks that unite their countries, in a manner that serves their mutual interests and advances peace, development, and prosperity globally.
Sheikh Mohamed and Premier Li also discussed the situation in the Middle East, particularly the efforts aimed at achieving a ceasefire in Gaza, ensuring the protection of civilians, providing sufficient, safe, and sustainable humanitarian aid, and preventing the escalation of conflict, which threatens regional security and stability. They underscored the importance of working towards a lasting and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution.
Sheikh Mohamed also highlighted the significance of the outcomes from his visit to China in May this year, and expressed his appreciation for President Xi Jinping’s commitment to strengthening the partnership and friendship between the two countries. His Highness emphasised the UAE’s keenness to remain a strategic partner in the Belt and Road initiative, adding that UAE-China relations exemplify international cooperation that supports diplomacy and dialogue.
Li Qiang also met with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. The two leaders discussed the growing strategic partnership, and explored new avenues to expand ties.
The discussions spanned a range of political, economic, commercial, and cultural issues, with both leaders emphasising the need to deepen cooperation to serve mutual interests and aspirations.
Business Forum
H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, attended the UAE-China Business Forum, which concluded successfully with the participation of over 300 delegates.
The Chinese delegation at the Forum was led by Premier Li Qiang.
The event, organised by Dubai Chambers, and the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (CCCME), was hosted by the Ministry of Economy of the UAE, and the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China.
The Forum brought together businessmen and investors from the UAE and China to discuss ways to enhance economic and trade relations and boost mutual investments involving business communities in both countries.
The event coincides with celebrations to mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the UAE and the People’s Republic of China.
GCC-China FTA
Chinese Premier called on China and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to speed up the free trade agreement negotiations process.
In his meeting with Secretary General of the GCC Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Li noted that Chinese President Xi Jinping and leaders of the GCC countries held the first China-GCC Summit in 2022, jointly drawing a new blueprint for the China-GCC pragmatic cooperation.
According to a report by China Central Television (CCTV), China stands ready to work with the GCC countries to enhance communication and coordination, build a strong political foundation for bilateral relations, make steady progress in advancing cooperation in the five key areas proposed at the China-GCC Summit, speed up China-GCC Free Trade Agreement negotiations, and expand cooperation in areas such as digital economy and green development, said the Chinese premier.