The United Arab Emirates’ Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the armed Forces Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed has hailed Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Abu Dhabi, terming it historic.
Bin Zayed’s remarks came following President Xi’s arrival in the UAE for a state visit, the first by a Chinese Head of State in 29 years.
“I am delighted to welcome H.E. Chinese President Xi Jinping to the UAE. This is a historic visit and represents a new stage of cooperation in all fields, which will bring growth, development and prosperity to the people of our nations,” the Crown Prince said on his official Twitter account.
Bin Zayed received President Xi upon his arrival, accompanied by the UAE Vice-President and Prime minster of the Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
The Crown Prince also hailed the relationship between his country and China, and said he has “full confidence in the Chinese President’s vision & seek to build on this historic visit to realise our common goals.”
Prior to his visit of the Arab nation, President Xi penned an article that was published in two UAE national newspapers. He outlined why collaboration between the two countries was key for future developments.
“I look forward to working with the UAE leaders to draw up a blueprint for China-UAE cooperation so as to unlock its full potentials and advance China-UAE relations at a higher level and speed and build a China-UAE community of shared future in Belt and Road cooperation,” Xi’s article read in part.
After completing the UAE visit, the Chinese leader will embark on a four-nation visit of Africa, where he will visit Senegal, Rwanda, South Africa (where he will attend the 2018 BRICS Summit in Johannesburg) and Mauritius.
The BRICS Summit is scheduled to take place between July 26 and 27.
