Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid and Li Qiang hold talks in Dubai on Thursday. WAM

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, on Thursday met with Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China.

The two leaders discussed the growing strategic partnership between the UAE and China, and explored new avenues to expand ties.

The meeting, which took place at Za’abeel Palace in Dubai, highlighted the steady growth of UAE-China ties under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

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.

The meeting was attended by Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai; Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council; and a number of ministers and senior officials.

Sheikh Mohammed expressed the UAE's pride in its strong partnership with China. He highlighted that the UAE and China can work together to create new pathways for a prosperous global future. His Highness stressed the UAE's commitment to enhancing cooperation in trade, tourism, renewable energy, technology, education, and culture to serve the interests of the people of both nations.

The meeting highlighted the positive impact of President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan's historic visit to Beijing in May, which resulted in several agreements and provided a strong impetus to bilateral relations. They also commended the growth in economic ties, with the UAE being China's largest Arab trading partner and China being the UAE's top partner. In 2023, non-oil trade between the two countries reached about Dhs296 billion.

They also explored new investment opportunities and ways to boost collaboration between the private sectors of the two countries. The meeting noted how the UAE’s robust infrastructure, flexible regulations, and secure environment offer strong support and protection for investors, providing the ideal conditions for business success and growth.

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid receives Li Qiang at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi. WAM

The two sides also touched on the UAE's crucial role in the global economy and its participation in the Belt and Road Initiative. The discussion noted how the country’s strategic location, world-class ports, exceptional logistics capabilities, and advanced infrastructure, enable it to contribute significantly to the initiative.

The meeting also covered the latest regional and international developments, especially in the Middle East. The leaders stressed the importance of exploring new solutions for achieving a just and comprehensive peace, enabling the region to advance sustainable development and fulfil the aspirations of its people for a secure and prosperous future.

Earlier, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid received Li Qiang in Abu Dhabi.  Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum welcomed Li Qiang and his accompanying delegation and expressed the hope that the visit would further strengthen the bilateral relations between the two nations.

An official reception ceremony for the visiting delegation was held at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi, during which the national anthem of the People's Republic of China was played.

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid greeted members of the delegation, while the Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China shook hands with Their Highnesses the Sheikhs and other senior officials.

WAM