China praises UAE’s role in de-escalating Gaza crisis

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) have issued a joint statement on the occasion of the State Visit of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to the People’s Republic of China from 30 to 31 May 2024.

The text says: At the invitation of His Excellency President Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, paid a state visit to the People’s Republic of China from 30 to 31 May 2024 with the aim of strengthening comprehensive strategic partnership relations linking the two friendly countries and peoples.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Excellency President Xi Jinping exchanged views in depth in an atmosphere of friendship, and reached important and wide-ranging consensus, during which the two sides discussed ways to strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The People’s Republic of China praised the distinguished role played by the UAE during its non-permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in the period 2022-2023, including the adoption of resolution 2720, which was drafted by the UAE in response to the humanitarian crisis caused by the war on Gaza and affirming the Council’s commitment to the vision of a Two-State solution and resolution No 2686 on “tolerance, international peace and security” during the UAE’s Presidency of the UN Security Council, the adoption of the Abu Dhabi Guidelines on the threats posed by the use of drone systems for terrorist purposes during its chairmanship of the Counter-Terrorism Committee of the Security Council, in addition to the efforts made by the UAE as a Penholder of the Afghanistan file.

The two sides demanded an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, while stressing the need to implement the relevant Security Council resolutions, most notably 2728 (2024), 2720 (2023) and 2712 (2023). They also stressed the importance of prioritising the safe, rapid, unhindered and large-scale delivery of humanitarian and relief assistance to the people in dire need in Gaza, and both sides reaffirmed support for the Two-State Solution and establishment of an independent Palestinian State on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions.

UAE and China demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

The People’s Republic of China also expressed its support for the efforts of the UAE to reach a peaceful solution to the issue of the three islands, the Greater Tunb, the Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa, through bilateral negotiations in accordance with the rules of international law and to resolve this issue in accordance with international legitimacy.

The two sides recognise the importance of the Five Principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-aggression, non-interference in internal affairs, mutual benefit, peaceful coexistence and equality in this year, which marks the 70th anniversary of the issuance of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, and work together to build the Chinese-Emirati community for a common future and the community of a common future for humanity.

The UAE side welcomed President Xi Jinping’s Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilisation Initiative.

During the meeting, the two sides pointed out that the year 2024 marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations, which have witnessed great achievements since establishment in 1984.

The parties recalled the historic visit of President Yang Shangkun to the United Arab Emirates in December 1989 and the historic visit of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan in May 1990.

The UAE side stressed that it continues to firmly adhere to the One-China Principle and that Taiwan is an integral part of China, supports the Chinese side’s position on issues related to China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, supports the achievement of Chinese reunification, and rejects external interference in internal Chinese affairs.

The People’s Republic of China congratulated the United Arab Emirates on its success in hosting the 28th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change – COP28.

WAM