UAE and China discuss deepening long standing bi-lateral relations

19-07-2017

BEIJING-- UAE Minister of State, Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, met today with the Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of China, Wang Yi, to discuss means of enhancing political, social, economic and trade relations between the two countries.

Dr. Al Jaber's discussions with the Foreign Minister also included an exchange of shared views on extremism and terrorism.

"The UAE is committed to multi-faceted efforts to counter extremism and terrorism throughout the region and beyond," Dr. Al Jaber said. "At the core of this policy is our firm position against any form of funding, hosting and broadcasting of terrorist activities and extremist ideologies. The recent decision taken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and Bahrain to boycott Qatar demonstrates our unwavering commitment to ensuring peace, security, tolerance, stability and prosperity."

He added, "We are seeking a sustainable, diplomatic and permanent solution that adheres to the 2013, 2014 Riyadh Agreements. So far, Qatar has failed to uphold and follow through on the promises made in the Riyadh Agreements. Much has yet to be done by Qatar to fundamentally change its policies, to truly end its support for extremism and terrorism, and to rebuild faith and trust with its GCC partners."

During the visit, the ministers also discussed further developing the already robust economic relations between the countries by building on China’s Belt and Road Strategy.

Dr. Al Jaber stressed the strong, deeply rooted relationship between the UAE and China, adding that both countries are keen to enhance their economic cooperation and create expanded avenues for investment and bi-lateral trade across key economic sectors, such as energy, shipping, logistics, infrastructure, technology, aerospace, banking and financial services.

"The UAE is supportive and committed to China’s ‘Belt and Road’ strategy," said Dr. Al Jaber. "At the pivot point between Asia, Europe and Africa, the UAE is ideally located as a logistical hub that can facilitate trade to and from the economies along the Belt and Road routes. This represents a tremendous opportunity that will support long term sustainable economic development."

China and the UAE have adopted a similar approach to economic development. Both countries share the same core beliefs in the essential connection between trade, partnership, peace and prosperity. These beliefs go beyond stated principles to concrete actions, best expressed by the strength of bilateral trade, which has grown dramatically, almost 800-fold in the three decades since establishing formal relations, from US$63 million, in 1984, to over $50 billion per annum, in 2016. In addition, about 60 percent of China’s total trade passes through the UAE, from where it is re-exported to Africa and Europe.