Uae-china ties herald a bright future: Envoy
ABU DHABI: Dr. Ali Obaid Al Dhaheri, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the People’s Republic of China, said that the UAE and China will continue to extend areas of cooperation using the Belt and Road Initiative, BRI, as a key plaform, to increase joint contribution to mutual prosperity.
In an op-ed writen for Global Times on the occasion of the UAE’S 49th National Day, Dr. Ali Al Dhaheri said: ‘’The UAE’S partnership with China and engagement in the Belt and Road Initiative, BRI, have been prominent features of the UAE’S progress in recent years.’’
On this UAE National Day, he noted, there is much satisfaction with the progress that has been achieved in recent years, with both our nations’ development and with China-uae bilateral relations. ‘’There is also an expectation that much more can be achieved in the years ahead for realising bright futures for our two countries.’’
The Op-ed reads: “2020 has proven to be a uniquely tumultuous year, with the COVID-19 outbreak bringing unprecedented challenges for human health, economic performance, and global stability. Despite these ongoing barriers, the United Arab Emirates, UAE, has worked energetically to strengthen its economic and international footprint; celebrating its rich history and looking optimistically to the future.
Coordination on COVID-19: When faced with the COVID-19 outbreak, our countries extended much needed cooperation in medicine and healthcare, with particular focus on vaccine research and development. 31,000 Emirati volunteers participated in clinical trials, supporting innovative medical solutions to this deadly virus. On Nov.3, several Emirati government officials, including His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, were vaccinated with a newly prepared COVID-19 vaccine produced by the Chinese firm Sinopharm.
“The UAE’S partnership with China and engagement in the Belt and Road Initiative, BRI, have been prominent features of the UAE’S progress in recent years.
“On December 2, the UAE celebrates its 49th National Day – showcasing our country’s vitality and success. Since the founding of the UAE in 1971, our country has flourished. Our economic output has grown more than eight times over since the 1990s, and GDP per capita has exceeded $40,000.
In 2017, the UAE Strategy for the Fourth Industrial Revolution articulated our nation’s vision to use technological innovation as a pathway to prosperity. The UAE has also launched Vision 2021, which will see the UAE develop a more sustainable and diversified economy within the next year.