Mohammed bin Rashid begins state visit to China

Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has embarked on a state visit to China. His Highness is leading the UAE delegation to the Second Belt and Road Conference for International Cooperation, which commenced today in the Chinese capital Beijing. The Conference, which runs until 27 April, features the participation of 40 leaders of countries around the world and over 150 delegates.

Sheikh Mohammed held a meeting with Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China His Excellency Li Keqiang. They two leaders discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

They also discussed ways to achieve common development objectives and usher a new phase of cooperation in the fields of economy, culture, tourism and education, in addition to promoting investment opportunities as part of the Belt and Road initiative that was launched six years ago by the Chinese President.

During the meeting, Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the rapid growth in UAE-China relations and the strong friendship between the two countries. His Highness said that the engagement between the leaders of UAE and China is providing a strong impetus for the expansion of bilateral relations. He said the historic visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to the UAE was a landmark event in the growth of bilateral relations between the two countries.

Sheikh Mohammed also expressed his appreciation for the vision of the Chinese leadership for enhancing cooperation with Arab countries and the country’s open approach reflected in the Belt and Road initiative that seeks to connect about 70 countries economically.

From his side, Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China HE Li Keqiang welcomed Sheikh Mohammed and his accompanying delegation. He praised the UAE’s regional and global efforts under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and CEO of the Emirates Group HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum; Minister of Cabinet Affairs and the Future HE Mohammed Al Gergawi; Minister of Economy HE Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs HE Anwar Mohammed Gargash; Minister of State for International Cooperation HE Reem Ebrahim Al Hashimi; Minister of State HE Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber; Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Affairs Authority and CEO of Mubadala Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak; Director General of Dubai Protocol Department HE Khalifa Saeed Suleiman and UAE Ambassador to China HE Dr. Ali Obaid Al Dhaheri attended the meeting