UAE, China sign deal on Silk Road initiative
ABU DHABI, July 21, 2018
The UAE government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with China concerning joint co-operation on the Silk Road Initiative and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Initiative, said a report.
The deal was inked by Dr Sultan bin Ahmad Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State, and He Lifeng, Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) during the landmark state visit of President Xi Jinping of China to the UAE.
It will contribute to facilitating exchange and integration of commodities, technology and capital through mutual education and co-operation, reported state news agency Wam.
Also the agreement will advance concerted development and joint progress in areas of economy, community, environment and other sectors, stated the report.
''The MoU is a clear indicator of the strong ties between the UAE and China and underscores the commitment of leaderships in both friendly countries to further consolidate their joint action to serve mutual interests and interests of the region and the world as well,'' remarked Dr Al Jaber.
''The MoU reflects the longstanding friendship between the UAE and China as well as cooperation and ambition of the governments in several fields,'' said the minister.
The agreement underscores the political will of the Emirati and Chinese leaderships to jointly promote the Belt and Road Initiative with the aim of elevating the spirt of the Silk Road for peace, openness and mutual education and cooperation in a manner that serves mutual interests, he added.
In another development, UAE President HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan yesterday (July 20) presented Jinping with the "Order of Zayed" - the highest civilian honour awarded to kings and presidents.
This was in recognition and appreciation of his efforts to develop and strengthen the overall friendship and co-operation between the two countries, said the Wam report.
Sheikh Khalifa presented the award during high-level meetings at the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi, in the presence of Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, it added.
