Abu Dhabi: The peoples of the UAE and China have similar dreams of better education, better jobs, more reliable social security, and better health care so that young generations of both countries can grow better, work better and live better, Chang Hua, the Chinese Ambassador to the UAE, said in a statement before the official visit to China by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
He said that under the wise leadership of the late president Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and that of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE has actively maintained national security and stability, adopted open, free and diversified policies, and allowed its people to lead a happy life, thus making itself a model in the Middle East.
He added that over the years, China and the UAE have cooperated in areas such as politics, economy and trade, civil aviation, public health and sports.
The following are excerpts of the Chinese Ambassador’s statement:
Historic relations
The People’s Republic of China and the UAE enjoy a long-term friendship, which dates back to as early as the 7th century when they conducted maritime trade. Before the establishment of diplomatic ties, the two countries cooperated in areas such as politics, economy and trade, civil aviation, public health and sports. On December 3, 1971, founding President of the UAE, the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, informed the Chinese premier Zhou Enlai of the independence of the UAE. Premier Zhou Enlai immediately sent a congratulatory message to Shaikh Zayed and announced that China would recognise the UAE. Both sides then aired their willingness to enhance friendship. Afterwards, China held an exhibition of export products in Dubai and set up the Changcheng Trading Centre there. Also, the Civil Aviation Administration of China set up an office in Sharjah. At the same time, Chinese table tennis teams and an art ensemble visited the UAE, and the Foreign Minister of the UAE visited China.
Diplomatic relations
On November 1, 1984, Chinese and UAE leaders made the historic decision of establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries. Ever since then, the two countries, once connected by the ancient maritime silk road, have embarked upon a new journey together.
Zayed visits China
In May 1990, Shaikh Zayed visited China and met with President Yang Shangkun at the Great Hall of the People. During the meeting, Shaikh Zayed presented an elegant statue of a peacock as a gift to President Yang and in return President Yang presented the UAE President with a piece of silk made in Suzhou on which was depicted a portrait of Shaikh Zayed. What is unique about this portrait is that Shaikh Zayed can be seen to be smiling from whichever direction it is viewed. Shaikh Zayed said to Yang, “My gift for you has a price, but your gift to me is priceless.” Chinese leaders were deeply impressed by the wisdom of Shaikh Zayed.
Chinese premier visits UAE
In January 2012, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao formally visited the UAE and attended the opening ceremony of the Fifth World Future Energy Summit. This was the first visit to the UAE by a Chinese Premier since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. During the visit, the two sides signed a joint declaration on establishing a strategic partnership, making the UAE the first Arab country in the Gulf to set up a strategic partnership with China.
Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed visits China
In 2009 and 2012, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, visited China at the invitation of Xi Jinping, then Vice President of China. During the visit, Shaikh Mohammad nurtured a deep friendship with President Xi Jinping.
Chinese FM visits UAE
In February 2015, the Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, visited the UAE, during which he met with His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and held talks with Foreign Minister, Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This visit drew a clear picture for bilateral relations for the future.
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