President Xi arrives in the UAE for state visit

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Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Thursday, kick-starting his state visit to the Gulf country.

It is the first tour made by a Chinese head of state to the country in 29 years.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, his wife Peng Liyuan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum are seen on a reviewing stand in Abu Dhabi, the UAE, July 19, 2018. /Xinhua Photo

'Work together, create a better future'

"The UAE is the first Arab state I will visit since I was re-elected as Chinese president in March, I wish to promote the relations between China and the UAE during this visit," said Chinese President Xi Jinping in his article titled "Work together, create a better future" which was carried by UAE newspapers on Wednesday.

Xi vows to work with the leaders of the UAE to work out a blueprint for cooperation and to construct the community of common destiny with the Belt and Road Initiative.

Xi's plane was escorted by the UAE fighter jets when it entered the country's air space.

Upon their arrival, Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan were warmly received by the UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. They were also presented with flowers by some local children.

A 21-gun salute was fired while Xi and his wife Peng inspected the guard of honor. Xi held cordial talks with the vice president and the crown prince.

On behalf of the Chinese government and the Chinese people, Xi sent sincere greetings and good wishes to the UAE government and the UAE people.

The UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (R) received President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan in Abu Dhabi, UAE, July 19, 2018. /Reuters Photo

Since the establishment of their diplomatic relations 34 years ago, China and the UAE have always respected each other and treated each other as equals, Xi said, adding that bilateral ties have seen remarkable progress with fruitful pragmatic cooperation achieved in various fields.

Xi said that the UAE is the first stop of this overseas trip, and also the first country he has visited since his re-election as Chinese president.

This shows that China attaches great importance to its relationship with the UAE, Xi stressed.

It is the first time a Chinese head of state has visited the UAE in 29 years. /VCG Photo

Bilateral cooperation

China and the UAE established diplomatic ties in 1984 and the two nations have both created miracles in development in the past 34 years.

The UAE is China's second largest trade partner and the largest export market for Chinese goods among the Arab countries, while China has been the largest trade partner of the UAE for many consecutive years.

The UAE is one of the first countries to embrace the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, and also a founding member of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

Wang Yilin (L), Chairman of China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), and Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), sign deals for China's national oil company to acquire stakes in two UAE offshore concessions in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, March 21, 2018. /Xinhua Photo

President Xi's first overseas stop after re-election

Xi expressed his confidence that the visit will be a great success with efforts made by both sides and will help further cement the friendship between the two countries and the two peoples.

The vice president of the UAE and the crown prince of Abu Dhabi warmly welcomed Xi's state visit, calling Xi an old friend and a good friend of the UAE people.

It is a great honor that Xi has chosen the UAE as the first stop of his overseas trip after re-election as Chinese president, said the UAE leaders.

The signing ceremony of "China Theater" broadcasting agreement between China Media Group and the UAE in Dubai, the UAE, July 14, 2018. /Xinhua Photo

People from all walks of life in the UAE are eagerly looking forward to Xi's visit, which they think will be of historical significance and will help further promote the development of bilateral strategic relations in a forceful way, said the UAE leaders.

After the UAE, Xi will travel to Africa to visit Senegal, Rwanda and South Africa, where he is scheduled to attend the 10th BRICS summit in South Africa's largest city Johannesburg from July 25 to 27.

He will also pay a friendly visit to Mauritius during a stopover on his way back to Beijing.

(With inputs from Xinhua and other agencies)