Last weekend (Dec 12-13), Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited the UAE at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. 🤝
The two leaders dove deep into the China-UAE comprehensive strategic partnership – a relationship that's been on fire across trade, energy, and people-to-people ties. They pledged to bring to life the key agreements from UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s May 2024 trip to the Chinese mainland, aiming to level up cooperation on all fronts.
On sensitive issues, the UAE reaffirmed its adherence to the one-China principle, noting that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. The Chinese mainland also backed the UAE’s peaceful efforts to resolve disputes over the three islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa under international law.
🌍 When it comes to global goals, both sides cheered on aligning the Belt and Road Initiative with the UAE’s “We the UAE 2031” vision and the “Principles of the 50” to boost development. They also praised President Xi’s four global initiatives – Development, Security, Civilization and Governance – and agreed to join forces in these frameworks.
Looking ahead, they set their sights on 2026, supporting the UAE’s bid to host the second China-Arab States Summit alongside the China-GCC Summit, and fast-tracking talks on a China-GCC free trade agreement.
From renewable energy and water resources to scientific research and counter-terrorism, Wang Yi and Sheikh Abdullah committed to ramping up practical cooperation. They also want more cultural exchanges, like Chinese language education, tourism, and civil aviation connections.
On regional peace, both affirmed support for a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, calling for an independent Palestinian state within the June 4, 1967 borders and a lasting ceasefire in Gaza to ease humanitarian suffering.
South-South cooperation is trending: China praised the UAE’s influential role in the Middle East, and the UAE applauded China’s peace-making contributions globally. They ended the talks committed to close coordination in the UN, BRICS, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization for a more prosperous world. 🚀
Reference(s):
Joint press release issued on meeting between Chinese, UAE FMs
cgtn.com
