UAE, China Presidents discuss longstanding ties

The UAE's President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Chinese President Xi Jinping have discussed opportunities to enhance cooperation within the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations.

The meeting took place at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, where Sheikh Mohamed, who is on a two-day state visit to China, was welcomed earlier by Xi.

During the talks, both sides asserted this year’s 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the UAE and China is an opportunity to celebrate the significant progress made over the past four decades in areas including economic cooperation, cultural exchange and international collaboration.

The two leaders exchanged views on several regional and international issues of mutual interest, including developments in the Middle East.

They stressed the importance of working towards an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, ensuring the protection of civilians, and providing adequate, safe, and sustainable humanitarian aid.

During the talks, Sheikh Mohamed thanked the Chinese President for the warm reception and generous hospitality extended to the UAE delegation.

He noted that although diplomatic relations between the UAE and China were formally established in 1984, their ties date back to the early days of the UAE's formation, with China recognising the country just days after its establishment.

His Highness also recalled the state visit to China in 1990 of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, which helped to reinforce the strong foundations of the countries’ bilateral relationship.

He added that President Xi's visit to the UAE in 2018 marked another milestone in the longstanding relationship, culminating in the declaration of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations.

Sheikh Mohamed pointed out that China is the UAE's top global trading partner, and there are joint efforts to double the volume of trade between the two countries in the coming years. The UAE has also been a strategic partner in the Belt and Road Initiative since its inception.

President Xi later hosted a banquet in honour of the UAE President's visit.