UAE will be ‘shining pearl’ in Belt and Road Initiative, Beijing’s foreign minister says

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed will help draw up a “new blueprint” for the UAE’s partnership with China during his official visit to the country.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told state news agency Wam that the three-day visit by the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces would be a “milestone moment” in relations between the countries.

He said the Emirates would become a “shining pearl” in China’s flagship Belt and Road Initiative, Chinese President Xi Jinping’s signature policy.

It combines a land “economic belt” and a “maritime silk road” linking China with South-East, South and Central Asia, the Arabian Gulf, North Africa and Europe.

Mr Wang said the two leaders were expected to discuss bilateral relations, as well as regional and international affairs during a meeting today and would “draw a new blueprint for a China-UAE comprehensive strategic partnership”.

China is the UAE’s second-largest trading partner, with almost $60 billion (Dh220.39bn) in trade in 2017, a figure which is expected to reach up to $70bn by next year.

“Our relationship, having stood the test of the changing international situation, has become a good example of state-to-state relations and a front-runner in China’s relations with countries in the region,” Mr Wang said.

“Our two countries enjoy solid political mutual trust and mutual understanding and support on issues bearing on each other’s core interests and major concerns.

“With progress in energy, finance, infrastructure and industrial co-operation, our practical co-operation has been thriving in multiple areas.” The minister said the UAE’s role in the Belt and Road strategy was beneficial to both countries.

“I believe as our two countries strive for substantive, steady and high-quality development of Belt and Road co-operation, the UAE will become a shining pearl along the Belt and Road.”

During a visit to Beijing in April, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, announced deals worth $3.4bn had been agreed to by the two countries.

The Merchants’ Market project will include large warehouses and wholesale retail outlets.

He said a further $1bn would be spent on setting up a major food project in Dubai, which would involve importing, processing and packaging agricultural, fishery and animal products for export to the world.