Observers note that every visit by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed abroad invariably brings about changes in the international landscape across economic and political dimensions. Following his successful visit to South Korea, where he held discussions with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol in Seoul and signed multiple agreements in fields such as technology and clean energy, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in Beijing. This visit, marking his first to China since assuming the presidency of the UAE in May 2022, coincides with the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the UAE established in 1984. The two-day state visit precedes the “China-Arab States Cooperation Forum” in Beijing, attended by four Arab leaders and hosted at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Notably, the “China-Arab States Cooperation Forum” was founded in 2004 by the late Chinese President Hu Jintao during his visit to the Arab League in Cairo. The forum, comprising China and 22 members of the Arab League, aims to bolster Arab-Chinese relations, foster dialogue, and promote cooperation and peace not only in the Arab region but globally.
Accompanying Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is a distinguished delegation including Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi; Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed; Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed; Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Special Affairs Advisor at the Presidential Court; Sheikh Zayed bin Mansour bin Zayed; Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority and Executive Council Member; Ali bin Hammad Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the Supreme National Security Council; Suhail bin Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; Mohamed Hassan Al Suwaidi, Minister of Investment; and Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, among others, including UAE Ambassador to Beijing, Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi.
During the visit, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is expected to discuss with President Xi Jinping the bilateral relations and ways to enhance cooperation and joint efforts in economic, developmental, and cultural fields between Abu Dhabi and Beijing. This initiative is part of the strategic vision of the leadership of both countries to develop and strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership that binds the UAE and China, contributing to sustainable development and prosperity in both nations. The UAE’s strategic position as a cornerstone of global economic growth underlines its role in bridging East and West. Notably, Beijing’s stance aligns with the UAE on many critical issues, including the Palestinian cause, with both supporting the two-state solution to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict—a cause the UAE has long championed.
Hence, wherever the UAE engages, it brings prosperity not only to itself but to the entire world, driven by its leadership’s strategic vision for international relations.
