Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed to begin three-day state visit to China

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, will begin a three-day official visit to China on Sunday.

7 December 2015

While there, he will meet president Xi Jinping with the aim of developing the friendship and strategic partnership between the two nations, according to state news agency Wam.

Sheikh Mohamed will arrive at Beijing on December 13 to meet with President Xi Jinping. The visit aims to “develop friendship” and strengthen strategic partnership between the two countries, WAM added.

Sheikh Mohamed’s visit will also include a series of meetings with senior Chinese officials and will provide an opportunity to expand bilateral trade, improve industrial and investment relationships and promote social and cultural exchange.

The officials will also discuss regional and international issues of mutual interest. The visit is part of a long-term strategy to improve United Arab Emirates -China relations.

The UAE has historically enjoyed good trade relations with China. As per latest available reports, trade between the two countries stood at $54.8bn in 2014. The UAE is also a top re-export hub for Chinese goods.

In addition, China is an important partner of the UAE in the energy sector, with the Asian country importing the majority of its oil from the Gulf countries.

However the recent slowdown within the Chinese economy has worried officials of trade prospects dampening.

Sheikh Mohamed’s trip to China comes after his state visit to Russia earlier this year where he met with President Vladmir Putin. His visit was followed by a trade delegation visit from Russia to the UAE, looking to strengthen trade ties with the Emirates.